Spain’s government has passed a series of laws that criminalize some forms of protest. But authorities may find it challenging to arrest holograms.
The group No Somos Delito, or We Are Not Crime, fired back at the government Friday using irony and digital technology with a projected hologram rally in front of Spain’s parliament.
Human rights groups were outraged when the conservative government passed laws in December that were seen as silencing protests over Spain’s austerity programs.
The new laws, which take effect this summer, levy heavy fines against burning the national flag, demonstrating in front of parliament and distributing photos of police.
The group released a video prior to the hologram rally, seeking public support. On it, a woman briefly explains the restriction under the government’s “citizen safety” laws before turning into a hologram.
“With the passing of the ‘Gag’ Law, you won’t be allowed to demonstrate in front of Congress,” the woman says. “You won’t be allowed to assemble in public spaces without risking a fine. Ultimately, if you are a person, you won’t be allowed to express yourself freely. You will only be able to do it if you become a hologram.”
Thousands “virtually” marched in front of the parliament building thanks to equipment that projected ghostly forms.
More than 100 different organizations have joined to form No Somos Delito.
