Spain's ‘indignados’ at the vanguard of a global nonviolent revolt

Last night Madrid’s city centre offered a glimpse of what Western democracies have become, as thousands of unarmed nonviolent civilians with their hands up in the air shouting “these are our weapons” and “this is a dictatorship” were beaten by police commandos in full riot gear. This event was the culmination of a month of intense mobilizations across the country by the popular movement known as the ‘Indignados’. People, whom despite being ignored by the government have made their voices heard, as banking cartels, European bureaucrats, rating agencies and the country’s elites continue in their frantic push to sell-off Spain’s remaining public wealth, and persist in the implementation of drastic cuts to the welfare state.


The ‘Indignados’ are fully aware of the fact that their government does not represent them, whenever they congregate they shout that loud and clear.

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Update : This has not been peaceful by any means. "Spanish riot police charge 'Los Indignados' in Madrid". Clashes between Spain’s so-called Los Indignados and riot police have left at least 20 protesters and seven policemen injured in Madrid.

Over 200 police officers charged a protest outside the Ministry of Interior, against the closure of the city’s biggest square, late on Thursday night. Spain’s ‘indignant’, who had occupied the Puerta del Sol since mid May protesting against austerity measures, had been prevented from entering the square for the previous three days. The arrest of a Spanish reporter covering the protest has stirred up significant criticism as many perceive it as an attack on press freedom.

More here (including youtube footage).