Spanish defy protest ban ahead of elections

Thousands defy a ban on pre-election demonstrations to protest in the heart of the Spanish capital over the government's handling of the economic crisis Photograph: Arturo Rodriguez/AP

Demonstrators seal their mouths with tape Photograph: Rex Features

Demonstrators raise their arms as they fill up Madrid's Puerta del Sol square just after midnight Photograph: Paul Hanna/Reuters

Demonstrators spend the night in the square Photograph: Emilio Morenatti/AP

A demonstrator plays the guitar in the early hours of the morning Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

Protesters sleep at the camp Photograph: Pedro Armestre/AFP/Getty Images

Protesters mill around the camp Photograph: Pedro Armestre/AFP/Getty Images

A protester adjusts her hair at the Puerta del Sol square after all-night festivities in defiance of a 48-hour ban ahead of local elections Photograph: Pedro Armestre/AFP/Getty Images