Spain: Rapper’s jailing, riots lead to rift within government

Socialist PM condemns protesters who engaged in violence, but his far-left coalition partner criticises police for their forceful response.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has denounced violent protests which have broken out over the imprisonment of rap artist Pablo Hasél, after a far-left junior partner in his coalition government spoke out in support of the demonstrators. In impromptu remarks at the start of a speech about the economy on Friday, Sánchez addressed the three consecutive nights of demonstrations this week that have seen nearly 80 people arrested and more than 100 injured. “Violence is an attack on democracy,” Sánchez said. “And the government will take a stand against any form of violence to ensure people’s safety.”