Description
You, be quiet
Book Summary
This essay arises from the authors' concern regarding the increase in sanctions and penalties linked to freedom of expression, assembly, and information in the Spanish state. The work analyzes and denounces the legal framework that supports censorship, aggravated by the approval of the "gag law" and the hardening of the Penal Code in 2015. Through emblematic cases such as those of Valtònyc, Altsasu, the Catalan political prisoners, Pablo Hasél, or Cassandra, the authors illustrate how repression can affect citizens in unexpected ways. The book also covers the social response through organizations like No Callarem, Amnesty International, or the Platform for the Defense of Freedom of Information, offering a reflection on the consequences of these policies.
What is it about?
You, be quiet is a rigorous analysis and an explicit denunciation of the current state of censorship and repression in Spain. The authors examine the legislation that restricts fundamental rights, focusing on the Citizen Security Law (gag law) and the 2015 Penal Code reforms. Based on real and well-known cases—from musicians and Twitter users to activists and political prisoners—the book shows how these laws are applied to criminalize social protest and poverty. Furthermore, it explores the forms of resistance and civic organization that have emerged to combat censorship, such as demonstrations, campaigns, and civil rights defense groups. The work invites reflection on the dire consequences of these dynamics: self-censorship, demobilization, and informational servitude.
Main themes
- Freedom of expression and censorship in the Spanish state
- Analysis of the "gag law" and the hardening of the Penal Code (2015)
- Criminalization of social protest and poverty
- Real cases of repression: activists, artists, and political prisoners
- Social response and civil rights defense organizations
- Self-censorship, demobilization, and control of information
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in human rights, civil liberties, and contemporary politics. It is especially relevant for activists, journalists, social science students, and anyone concerned about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Spain. It is also useful for those seeking to understand high-profile cases of repression and the legal tools that support them.
What this book offers
- A detailed analysis of the legal framework that restricts fundamental rights in Spain.
- Concrete and current examples of censorship and repression, facilitating an understanding of their real impact.
- An overview of strategies for resistance and civic organization against repression.
- A critical reflection on the social consequences of the criminalization of protest.
Technical specifications
- Author: Huerga Ayza, Laura; Busquets Figueras, Blanca
- Publisher: RAYO VERDE EDITORIAL, S.L.
- Language: cat
- Subject: Prose: non-fiction, Society and culture: general, Ethical issues: censorship, Regional government policies, Human rights, Civil rights and citizenship, Freedom of information and expression, Demonstrations and protest movements
- Collection: CICLOGENESIS
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: February 2018
- Number of pages: 208
- Weight: 100 g
Editorial Review
You, be quiet presents itself as a necessary and combative essay in a context of growing concern for civil rights. Its main value lies in the combination of a rigorous legal analysis with a clear exposition of real cases, making it a useful tool for both academic understanding and social awareness. The work stands out for its ability to connect legislative criticism with concrete experiences of repression, offering the reader a complete view of the phenomenon. It is a recommended read for those seeking well-founded information and a critical perspective on the state of freedom of expression in Spain.

