The Guardia Civil arrested 25 people yesterday, including the Mayor of Ayora (Valencia), socialist Manuel López, following protests last week against the building of a temporary nuclear waste storage facility in Zarra.
In total, over 100 people were detained. Those arrested have been charged with crimes against traffic safety, disobedience and civil unrest.
Most of the protesters were well known in the area and were not difficult to trace. A speedy trial has been arranged for later today.
Many view the arrests, and subsequent speedy trial, as a ‘scare’ tactic designed to criminalise and silence peaceful protests.