First ever hologram protest held in Spain against 'Gag Law'

The world's first protest using holograms instead of people took place in Spain over the weekend in response to a new anti-terror law.

The event was organised by Hologramas Por La Libertad and No Somos Delito following several months of protests against the controversial Citizen Safety Law, which is due to come into effect in July.

The law, referred to by opposition groups as the Gag Law, will mean that protesters gathering outside government buildings in Spain will be issued with heavy fines.

"Our protest with holograms is ironic," Carlos Escano, spokesperson for Hologramas Por La Libertad, told Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

"With the restrictions we're suffering on our freedoms of association and peaceful assembly, the last option that will be left to us in the end will be to protest through our holograms."

The law passed through the lower house of parliament in December and along with heavy fines of up to €600,000 (£434,000) it also gives sweeping powers to authorities to restrict civil liberties, including the right to photograph or film police.

A member of the ruling People's Party opposed to the law has referred to it as "the worst cut of rights and freedoms since the Franco regime".

A recent report cited in the newspaper El Pais revealed that around 82% of people in Spain are opposed to the anti-terror law.

The hour-long hologram protest used more than 2,000 virtual images to call for the law to be repealed before it comes into effect on 1 July.

A video promoting the protest stated: "With the passing of the Gag Law, you won't be allowed to assemble in public spaces without risking a fine.

"Ultimately, if you are a person, you won't be allowed to express yourself freely. You will only be able to do it ig you are a hologram."