MADRID: A Spanish satirical magazine that was ordered removed from news stands because its cover featured a cartoon depicting the heir to Spain's throne having sex with his wife was for sale Saturday on eBay.


Nearly 90 copies of the weekly magazine El Jueves, which has a cover price of 2.50 euros, were on offer on the Spanish website of the online auctioneer for up to 100 euros (138 US dollars) per copy.

High court judge Juan del Olmo ruled Friday that the cartoon "struck at the honour and the dignity of the people represented" and ordered police to seize copies at newsstands.

The magazine, which does not hide its republican sympathies, used the caricature to mock a recent government announcement that families would receive 2,500 euros for each new child in a bid to raise the birth rate.

In the cartoon, a smiling Prince Felipe tells his wife Princess Letizia, who is kneeling on the bed in front of him: "Do you realize that if you get pregnant it will be the closest that I come to working in my life!"

Under Spanish law those found guilty of insulting the royal family can face up to two years in prison or be slapped with heavy fines.

Unlike royals in other European nations, Spain's royal family receives very little criticism from the nation's press.

King Juan Carlos is revered for his role in ushering in democracy after the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975.

But despite the esteem afforded the royals, Spanish media on Saturday criticised the judge's decision to pull the magazine from newsstands.

"The El Jueves cartoon is crude and in bad taste but it is hard to say it intended the sort of damage that would make it a crime," the left-leaning El Pais said in an editorial.