News
Historic dicovery
A 12th century bath house has been discovered in Sevilla . Renovations at a popular bar in the city have uncovered high-quality murals with geometric decorations which are unique to the Iberian peninsula . Archaeologists say it is the only surviving Arab bath with an integral decoration and its discovery was a “ complete surprise .”
Libel dismissed
A former police commissioner has been acquitted of libelling the head of Spain ’ s intelligence services by claiming he had threatened the life of King Juan Carlos ’ s former lover . José Manuel Villarejo , who was on remand since 2017 , accused Félix Sanz Roldán of leaking a photo to the press during an under-cover operation . However , Villarejo still faces charges including extortion , money laundering and bribery .
Bank deadline
The deadline to sell Bankia has been extended by two years . The bank , which is in the process of being taken over by Caixabank , was bailed out in a € 22.4 billion state rescue in 2012 during the country ’ s financial crisis . The government ’ s 61.8 % stake in Bankia is expected to shrink to 16.1 % after the Caixabank merger which is due to be completed by the end of the first quarter .
Sentence confirmed
A retired Guardia Civil officer from Periana has had his prison sentence confirmed by an upper regional court after being found guilty of the sexual abuse of a ten-year-old girl . When the victim was 15 , she finally told her mother about the abuse and her attacker was sentenced to 30 months in jail by a Málaga provincial court . While his appeal has been turned down in Andalucía , he can still appeal his prison term to the Supreme Court .
Rapper ’ s jail sparks
Free Speech protests
The name of Pablo Hasél appeared in most Spanish newspapers during last month . The 32-year-old Catalan rap artist was arrested on February 16 after missing a deadline four days earlier which required him to enter prison to serve a nine-month sentence .
In the following days , his supporters staged violent demonstrations in Madrid and other cities including Granada , many of which were met by riot police carrying batons and shields . Tear gas and rubber bullets were used and dozens were arrested .
The jail term served on Hasél follows his conviction for glorifying terrorism and slandering the monarchy in the lyrics of his recordings and in Tweets . His songs have also included claims that police officers have tortured and killed demonstrators and migrants .
Hasél is the highest profile person to have been imprisoned in Spain for a speech crime in recent years and the case has inevitably restarted a debate about freedom of speech in the country . More than 200 noted artistes , including Pedro Almodóvar and Javier Bardem ,
The heir to the Spanish throne is to continue her education in Wales . Princess Leonor will spend two academic years at United World College of the Atlantic in the Vale of Glamorgan starting in late August .
The 15-year-old Princess , whose title is Princess of Asturias , has already passed the selection process and will attend the college as a boarder . The fees of £ 67,000 (€ 75,000 ) will be paid by her parents , King Felipe and Queen Letizia .
Until now , the Princess has studied at a private school in Madrid where her younger sister Sofia is also enrolled . In a statement , the Royal Household said that the move is compatible with , “ the progressive have signed a petition demanding his release , while the dozens of graffiti appearing in Spanish cities supporting Hasél suggest that young people feel that action is required . The government has promised to review offences classed as “ crimes of expression ” which include the glorification of terrorism , insulting the Crown and offending religious groups as they apply to artistic , cultural or intellectual activities . Opponents say the present legislation is framed too broadly and that any example of justifying an act of terrorism , even an example from years earlier , could lead to a prison sentence .
Hasél , real name is Pablo Rivadulla Duro , was born and raised in Lleida , and his recent conviction is not his first brush with the law . He was arrested in 2011 for a song praising a convicted GRAPO member while three years later , he was handed a suspended twoyear sentence for glorifying terrorism in songs which praised ETA , GRAPO and other guerilla groups . Last year , he was handed a six-month prison sentence for spraying a television reporter with washing-up liquid .
Princess Leonor to study in Wales development of her institutional commitments to Spain .”
On its website , the college says it “ inspires students to become Changemakers through lifelong commitment to service in the community , collaborative work and social engagement that develops in young people a sense of personal initiative .” It was described by the Royal Household has having an “ open and critical spirit ” with “ no religious , political or other kinds of leaning .”
Princess Leonor has taken on a more prominent public in recent months , joining King Felipe on official events and , with her sister , thanking public health workers for the efforts during the Coronavirus crisis .
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