Performing arts professionals denounce ‘violation’ of rights

Performers, technicians, producers, directors, and various other professionals of the performing arts world released a manifesto, addressing what they write is a “violation” of basic rights. This, the manifesto continues, is the Spanish State’s “daily bread.”

The document further denounces that “repression” by the Spanish State “against the people” is “plainly” seen, and that the privilege of “those above” is “fiercely” defended through “repression,” the “annihilation” of separation of powers, “revolving doors,” and misuse of funds.

Solidarity with other performers

As an example, they cite the prison sentences given to rappers Pablo Hasél, Valtonyc, and the collective La Insurgencia. All have been sentenced to serve time behind bars for their song lyrics, ranging between two and four years. One of the accusations many face is glorification of terrorism. Article 578 of the Spanish criminal code has also been recently criticized by Amnesty International as a “misuse” of the law to prosecute artists, journalists, and ordinary citizens.

The manifesto also shows support for other artists on trial, and “fully” defends the “basic” principle of freedom of expression which, those who signed the documents express, the so-called Spanish ‘gag law’ puts “in serious danger.”

“If they force us to be quiet, we have nothing left”

While defending the role of the theater as a space that gives a voice to themes which are “socially taboo or directly uncomfortable for those in power,” those who signed the manifesto note that freedom of thought and expression are “inalienable rights in a true democracy.”

The artists also released a video, featuring various actors, singers, directors, and journalists, reciting the lyrics for which the rappers have been sentenced to prison time. The video ends with the words “If they force us to be quiet, we have nothing left.”