Dozens of rights activists have gathered to call for the removal of Gen. Francisco Franco's body from a mausoleum northwest of Madrid on the 40th anniversary of the dictator's death.
The protesters say the Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen) mausoleum contravenes Spain's Historic Memory Law, which bans triumphalist symbols.
The dictator ordered the construction of the monument as a tomb and triumphalist memorial to his victory in Spain's 1936-1939 civil war, which he secured with help from Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.
Protester Paloma Gonzalez said several pro-Franco sympathizers nostalgic for Spain's fascist past also commemorated the dictator's 1939-1975 rule with stiff-arm salutes, but both events ended peacefully Saturday.
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