Hundreds of chanting demonstrators marched through the streets of Madrid on Thursday to protest against alleged police violence at a large anti-austerity demonstration in the Spanish capital last month.

The protesters accused police of brutality during demonstrations by tens of thousands on March 22.

That protest turned violent as demonstrators dispersed with dozens of youths smashing bank windows and setting fire to rubbish bins.

Police responded by firing rubber bullets and charging to disperse protestors. Twenty-four people were arrested, including three minors.

"I was pushed by the police against the wall of a luxury hotel. An older protester needed stitches to his face," said Ines Monroy, a 60-year-old museum worker, at the demonstration on Thursday.

"I am very scared to be here but I want to stop feeling scared. For my grandchildren," she added.

"No more police violence" and "Police abuse" were among the signs displayed at Thursday's protest which disrupted traffic during the evening rush hour.

Organisers said police mistreated protesters detained on March 22 by forcing them to stand against a wall with their hands in the air for eight hours and denying them food and water for 24 hours.

They called Thursday's protest after police last week held another nine people for their alleged involvement in last month's disturbances, which was dubbed a "march for dignity".

"Police detained people in their homes and workplaces. Some of the people who they detained were not even in Madrid on that day," said Susana Cerrudos, a spokeswoman for the March 22 movement which organised last month's the anti-austerity march.

Protesters also demanded the release of two of the demonstrators detained for allegedly causing disturbances and who are still being held.

Emergency services said 101 people -- 67 police and 34 protesters -- were injured at the March 22 protest.

 

Source : AFP