Spanish Police Use Rubber Bullets To Disperse Protesters In Madrid, Barcelona

Spanish police fired rubber bullets and charged protesters in central Madrid early on July 20 at the end of a huge demonstration against austerity measures.

The demonstration, which attracted several hundred thousand people, was part of protest marches in 80 cities across the country against the latest batch of cuts approved by the government.

Reports say police also fired rubber bullets to disperse protesters in Spain's second city, Barcelona.

The protests came after the ruling conservative Popular Party used its majority in parliament to push through the measures on July 19.

They include a rise in sales tax and a wage cut for civil servants.

Late on July 19, the government also published details of the 100 billion euro ($123 billion) financial assistance agreement between Spain and the eurozone countries.


Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and the BBC