Spanish students hold signs protesting against the government's austerity cuts and education reforms in Madrid on November 20, 2013.
The Spanish parliament has approved a highly contentious bill that puts major restrictions on citizens' right to protest.
The Public Security Law, which was passed in a 181-141 vote on Thursday, limits protests to authorized rallies only.
The law also makes all unauthorized gatherings punishable by fines of up to 600,000 euros ($745,000).
The measure has been fiercely criticized by opposition politicians and activist groups. Several lawmakers tied up their mouths in protest as the bill was debated in the parliament.
Opponents say the legislation violates the right to protest, limits freedom of expression and gives more power to police.
Spain has been hit by a wave of demonstrations and strikes over the past months against the government's austerity measures.
Grappling with deep economic recession, Spain has adopted harsh austerity measures as part of attempts to deal with the dire situation. The country has been witnessing daily protests in recent years since the country’s economy collapsed into recession in the second half of 2008, taking millions of jobs with it.
IA/NN/MHB