Spain: Court drops terrorism probe against puppeteers


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

MADRID (AP) — Spain's National Court judge has shelved an investigation into two puppeteers for allegedly praising terrorism in a theater show.

The court said Tuesday there was insufficient evidence that the puppeteers had committed an offence by using a sign during a performance in Madrid that said "Long Live Alka ETA." The message was a word-play reference to Spain's armed Basque group ETA and al-Qaida.

The Feb. 5 puppet show also showed the hanging of a judge in effigy and police beatings, prompting some parents attending the Carnival event with children to complain to authorities.

Praising terrorism is a crime in Spain.

The puppeteers have denied the allegations, saying their show was satirical.

They were initially arrested and jailed for five days, triggering much criticism from social and political groups.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Most recent Entertainment stories

The Associated Press

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast