The first ‘Surround Congress» who was summoned to the capital arrives in court 12 years later and with 21 activists in the dock, totaling sentences of 121 years in prison.
It all happened on September 25, 2012, when thousands of people took to the streets to protest against the political class. A demonstration during which moments of tension began to arise after 7:00 p.m. After the fight for the barriers came the hitting, pushing, ball shooting and running in the center of Madrid. A concentration which resulted in at least 64 injuries.
In total, 35 people were arrested. Today, 21 of them sit on the bench. “After 12 years of conviction, we are now on trial. We ask for absolution“, said Ángel García, one of the accused, who insisted on the “peaceful” nature of the demonstration.
For its part, the convening platform requested that the trial is suspended. “If they imprison 21 colleagues, they prove us right when we say that democracy and freedom of assembly, demonstration and expression are kidnapped,” stressed Elena Martínez, head of “Surround Congress”.
They are notably accused of disturbing public order, attacks against the police, damage and injury. The sentences requested by the prosecution range from three years to more than seven years. According to judicial sources, five of the accused have already reached an agreement. The trial will continue until November 28 for the rest.
