http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/spains-hologram-protest-thousands-join-virtual-march-in-madrid-against-new-gag-law-10170650.html
In response to the controversial Citizen Safety Law, which will take
effect on July 1, Spanish activists have staged the world's first ever
virtual political demonstration.
After months of massive
flesh-and-blood protests against the so-called 'gag law', thousands of
holograms last night marched in front of the Spanish parliament in
Madrid.
Organised by the group Holograms for Freedom, ghost-like
figures holding placards took aim at the imminent draconian measures,
arguing that holographic people are now afforded greater freedoms than
their real-life counterparts.
The 'NoSomosDelito' (meaning: 'We are not crime') movement - composed
of more than 100 different organisations - called upon sympathisers
around the world to participate in the landmark even by simply
webcamming their face via the campaign website.
More than 2,000 virtual images were sent and used in the hour-long hologram demonstration, El Pais reported.
The following video comes from Euronews.
Under the Citizens Safety Law,
it is illegal to gather in front of government buildings without
permission from authorities; this includes everything from universities
to hospitals.
Organisers of unauthorised demonstrations could be
fined up to €600,000, with further €600 fines for disrespecting police
officers, and €30,000 for filming or photographing them.
In a video promoting the protest,
a spokeswoman said: "With the passing of the Gag Law, you won't be
allowed to assemble in public spaces without risking a fine.
"Ultimately,
if you are a person, you won't be allowed to express yourself freely.
You will only be able to do it if you are a hologram."
Spokesman Carlos Escano told Spanish newspaper El Mundo: "Our protest with holograms is ironic.
"With
the restrictions we're suffering on our freedoms of association and
peaceful assembly, the last options that will be left to use in the end
will be to protest through our holograms."