IBSC call for immediate relase of Batasuna detainees

international | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Friday October 16, 2009 12:32

by Irish Basque Solidarity Committees

The Irish Basque Solidarity Committees has call for immediate release of Arnaldo Otegi and all other members of Batasuna currently being held by the Spanish government. This follows the arrest last Tuesday evening of the leader of Batasuna along with nine other members of the party.

Speaking yesterday spokesperson for the IBSC Kevin Morrison stated:

“The arrests of the leader of Batasuna, Arnaldo Otegi, along with nine other members of the party is wholly undemocratic and an abuse of political rights.

“There is currently a process of criminalisation within the Basque country and more recently across Spain of political parties, social and youth organisation, media and those who differ in view from the Spanish government.

“This is very clear with the pursuing of two members of the Basque community in Belfast who are currently challenging extradition proceedings by the Spanish authorities and in this the latest manifestation of the arrest of Batasuna’s leader and nine others. This highlights clearly the mindset of the Spanish government in terms of human rights.

“We are calling for an end to such repression and the immediate release of those arrested and The Spanish government need to engage in dialogue with those they seek to demonize and criminalise. This is the only way to reach a lasting settlement in the Basque Country.”