Thousands protest against ACTA in Europe

Thousands of people have taken part in co-ordinated protests across Europe in opposition to the controversial anti-piracy agreement, ACTA.

Significant marches were held in Germany, Poland and the Netherlands against the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.

Demonstrators argued that ACTA will limit freedom of speech online.

However the agreement's supporters insist it will not alter existing laws, and will instead provide protection for content creators in the face of increasing levels of online piracy.

The treaty has to date been signed by 22 EU members, but has yet to be ratified by the European Parliament. A debate is due to take place in June.

On Friday, Germany delayed signing the agreement in order to, a spokesman said, "give us time to carry out further discussions".

Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have already delayed the process after significant pressure from mostly young people.