María del Mar Blanco Accuses Interior Minister of Betrayal Over ETA Prisoner Legislation
In a contentious exchange, María del Mar Blanco, a senator from the People's Party (PP) and the sister of the murdered politician Miguel Ángel Blanco, has openly criticized Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Following his remarks to associations of terrorism victims that he would not endorse a controversial amendment granting validation of sentences for ETA members, Blanco has stated that Marlaska is the 'greatest traitor' to those who suffered from terrorism.
During an interview broadcasted on Antena 3 and reported by Europa Press, Blanco condemned the minister's previous commitment to uphold the dignity of victims, claiming it has only served to tarnish their memory. She asserted that Marlaska's actions reflect a complete abandonment of these individuals, expressing her disappointment over the lack of communication from the Interior Ministry and the government’s disregard for the pain inflicted on victims' families.
Blanco particularly highlighted her anguish over the proximity of her brother's murderer, Francisco Javier García Gaztelu, known as Txapote, who could potentially benefit from this legislative change. She lamented, 'They said he could be released in February. I fear that unfortunately Txapote will be able to celebrate New Year's Eve in his house this Christmas while my brother and other terrorism victims are unfortunately already under the ground.'
The senator also voiced her belief that there exists a 'Txapote plot' orchestrated by the coalition government formed by the PSOE, Sumar, and Bildu. This plot allegedly seeks to present the amendment legitimizing the sentencing of ETA members, with her brother's killer poised to be among those who could see reduced sentences.
Blanco firmly criticized the law reform, characterizing it not merely as a regulatory adjustment but as an indication of the government's secret dealings with Arnaldo Otegi, the general coordinator of EH Bildu. She accused the ruling parties of maneuvering to facilitate the release of terrorists from prisons, claiming that the law reform was inevitable regardless of the PP and Vox’s support.
The PP senator concluded her remarks by acknowledging that her party's backing of the amendment was a grave error that should not occur again. However, she also emphasized that discussions are ongoing to seek solutions in the Senate, urging all parliamentary groups, including the PSOE, Sumar, and Bildu, to come together in the days leading up to the plenary session on October 14 in order to reconsider the proposed changes.
As the debate around the amendment continues, feelings run high among victims' families, advocates for justice, and political entities, suggesting that the implications of this legislation could reshape the landscape of ETA-related legal proceedings in Spain.
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