Podemos defends push to change Spain’s controversial ‘gag law’

Leader calls legislation greatest blow to civil and political liberties' since return to democracy

The leader of Spain's Podemos party has defended the coalition government's push to change its predecessor's gag law", calling it the greatest blow to civil and political liberties" since the country's return to democracy.

Ione Belarra, who serves as the minister for social rights in the Socialist-led minority government, said the public security legislation had eroded basic democratic rights since it was introduced by the conservative People's party (PP) six years ago.