Friday, January 26, 2007

Bassi's Back

Provocative Italian comedian Leo Bassi has returned to Madrid with his show “La Revelación” which takes a critical look at religion (you can see it in the Alfil theatre). The last time he was here in Madrid with this show someone tried to set off a fire bomb in the theatre, and Catholic fascists (fascolics?) were protesting in the street outside. I don’t know whether we can expect more of the same this time, but clearly the same people who prevented Pepe Rubianes from performing in the city will probably be wishing they could do the same to Leo. I haven’t seen the show myself, but I’m told it’s very, very good.

Meanwhile, just on the very day I want to post with something that mentions Pepe Rubianes, it turns out that he is now to be charged in court for the comments that he made about the Spanish nation. Amazingly, it seems that there is a crime here called "ultraje a España"; which is one of these crimes that appears to have been purpose built for right wing groups to use against anyone they disagree with. Here the charges have been presented by the state prosecutors, although the original complaint was made by an organisation calling itself the "Foundation for the Defence of the Spanish Nation". For what is nothing more than a crime of opinion, which doesn't even have the side effect of damaging anyone at all, Rubianes faces a fine of 21600 euros.

2 comments:

The News said...

You'll get the full force of Christ, don't think you won't. He was sheer weakness and humiliation when he was killed on the Cross, but oh, he's alive now--in the mighty power of God! We weren't much to look at, either, when we were humiliated among you, but when we deal with you this next time, we'll be alive in Christ, strengthened by God. Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.

Tom said...

Foundation For The Defence Of The Spanish Nation... whoever could be behind such a reactionary, Francoist group? surprise, surprise: it's the PP. With some support from that oaf Tejero. They were formed as a grassroots organisation whose aim was to oppose the Estatut d'Autonomia de Catalunya.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/feb2006/spai-f22.shtml