Spain: Activists to stage protest rally at Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid on Jan. 21

Event

Several activist groups, including the Foro Espana Civica and the Fundacion Foro Libertad y Alternativa, plan to stage a protest rally at Madrid's Plaza de Cibeles starting at 12:00 Jan. 21. The purpose of the event is to show support for Spain's constitution and to condemn the policies of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon. The event could draw large crowds of participants, given that organizers have chartered a number of buses to transport demonstrators to Madrid from various parts of the country for the gathering.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy heavy security at and around Plaza de Cibeles to facilitate and monitor the event. Police could close off nearby thoroughfares, resulting in localized traffic and public transport disruptions. While the event will likely remain largely peaceful, isolated security incidents cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the general vicinity of Plaza de Cibeles during the afternoon and evening of Jan. 21 as a standard precaution and to mitigate security-related disruptions. Allow extra time to reach nearby destinations. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.