Spain: rubber bullets fired at violent anti-austerity protest

09-27-2012 • http://www.telegraph.co.uk,

Protesters clashed with police in Spain's capital on Tuesday as the government prepares a new round of unpopular austerity measures for the 2013 budget that will be announced on Thursday.

At least 22 demonstrators were detained and 28 injured, as clashes continued late into the evening near the Spanish parliament, Spanish broadcaster TVE reported.

More than 1,500 police in riot gear had been deployed throughout the day in preparation for the demonstration, with barricades being set up.

Police fired rubber bullets and beat protesters with truncheons, first as several protesters were trying to tear down barriers and later to clear the square.

The peaceful protest turned violent after a series of clashes began at 7pm local time.