Thousands Rally in Bilbao for ETA Prisoners' Rights Amid Calls for Policy Reform
Tens of thousands gathered in Bilbao on Saturday to demand the rights of ETA prisoners and called for an end to what they describe as exceptionalities in penitentiary policy affecting this group. Organized by the support network for ETA prisoners, Sare, the march began at La Casilla around 5 PM, taking participants to City Hall in a protest marked by chants of "Euskal presoak etxera," which translates to "Basque prisoners home." The demonstration was fronted by a banner bearing the slogan "Definitely Peace Resolution Coexistence," carried by notable figures including Ane Muguruza, daughter of the murdered Herri Batasuna deputy Josu Muguruza, former prisoner Araitz Zubimendi, and actor Patxi Bisquert. Notably, Rosa Rodero, widow of Ertzaintza sergeant Joseba Goikoetxea who was murdered by ETA, did not present on the banner due to health issues.
A strong showing from the Basque coalition EH Bildu was noted, led by its general coordinator Arnaldo Otegi and parliamentary spokesperson Pello Otxandiano. Representatives from various other organizations also joined, including Catalan independentist groups Junts, ERC, CUP, and BNG alongside prominent figures from Catalonia such as former Generalitat president Quim Torra and former Catalan Parliament president Laura Borrás.
Sare representative Joseba Azkarraga expressed satisfaction with the large turnout, emphasizing that the call to end violations of ETA prisoners' rights does not diminish the necessary support for all victims of violence in Spain. Azkarraga urged the National Court not to postpone the implementation of legal reforms regarding sentencing calculations, highlighting that over the past decade, many individuals have been imprisoned beyond the legally permissible time. He criticized the Basque penitentiary administration for delays in advancing prisoners to third-degree detention, stating that out of approximately 49 prisoners eligible for such a change, many remain incarcerated in lower security levels.
Participants in the protest united in their demands for an end to exceptional penitentiary policies. Gorka Elejabarrieta from EH Bildu called for a comprehensive resolution to the situation of ETA prisoners, asserting that Euskadi deserves to exist without Basque political prisoners. Junts representative Josep Pagès i Massó urged the judiciary to apply the law fairly, referencing the need for an amnesty law concerning former President Carles Puigdemont, who currently lives in exile. ERC’s Diana Riba echoed calls to abolish exceptional laws while Ómnium Cultural representative Xavier Antich criticized the Spanish government's inertia and judicial measures affecting these issues.
The protest reflects an ongoing tension within Spanish society regarding ETA and its past, as well as the broader discussions on reconciliation and justice in a democratic framework.
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