Spanish government buys anti-riot gear amid protest fears

The Spanish government is readying itself for an autumn of discontent, spending nearly €1 billion (HK$10 billion) on riot gear for police units as disparate protest groups prepare a string of demonstrations.

Since June, the interior ministry has tendered four contracts to purchase riot equipment ranging from shields to stab vests. The ministry also finalised its purchase of a new truck-mounted water cannon, an anti-riot measure used during Spain's dictatorship and the transition to democracy but little seen in recent years.

Despite attempts by opposition Socialist politician Antonio Trevin to paint the purchase as "a return to times that we would rather forget", the ministry said in its tender that the water cannon was necessary, "given the current social dynamic".

The government's spending spree comes as groups across Spain are predicting a season of protests. "We're calling it the autumn of confronting power and institutions," said the activist group Coordinadora 25-S, which has its roots in the indignados ("the outraged") movement.

Rallies are being planned to counter draft laws by the governing People's party that would curtail access to abortion in Spain or see unauthorised protest organisers fined up to €600,000. Months after former king Juan Carlos abdicated the throne in favour of his son King Felipe VI, protests are also being planned to demand a referendum on the monarchy. In Catalonia, the push continues for a vote on independence.

Amnesty International in Spain said the purchase of riot gear was a worrying development. "They say they buy this material to control disturbances, but how exactly will it be used?" said Amnesty's Angel Gonzalo. "In Greece we have documented how these water cannons, when used a short distance, can provoke severe injuries and commotions."