Guardias | Spanish to English Translation - SpanishDict
The Guardia Civil, commonly referred to as la Benemérita, is the oldest of Spain's various police forces.A paramilitary force like the French Gendarmerie, it was set up in 1844 to combat banditry in rural areas, but was also used as an instrument of repression in the cities.Under Franco it was resented by many as an oppressive, reactionary force, and was especially hated in the Basque Country.
