‘EU and Ireland cannot stand idly by’ during repression in Basque Country, say Irish parliamentarians

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

‘The actions of elements of the Spanish state are undermining the peace process in the Basque Country and we share the concerns and outrage at these actions’

SINN FÉIN Foreign Affairs spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has said the EU “cannot stand idly by” while the Basque peace process is being undermined by arrests by the Spanish state “and a political paralysis that is preventing new initiatives”.

The Sinn Féin Member of Parliament was speaking in Dublin with Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (pictured) after they met a delegation led by Basque Senator Urko Aiartza Azurtza who was in Ireland to highlight upcoming mass trials of Basque activists this month. They were meeting just 48 hours after 18 members of Herrira, the Basque prisoners’ support group, were arrested on Monday.

The arrests have prompted Basque trade unions to organise a major rally in Bilbao this Saturday.

As the Basque delegation met Sinn Féin and the Oireachtas [Irish Parliament] Foreign Affairs Committee in Dublin, Seán Crowe said:

“The actions of elements of the Spanish state are undermining the peace process in the Basque Country and we share the concerns and outrage at these actions.

“This month, two political trials against 76 members of the Abertzale Left will start in the Spanish National Court. The charges against these activists for their political work and the determination of the Spanish state to continue with the political trials is a clear sign that some in positions of authority want to move backwards and undermine the peace process.

“Last Monday, the Spanish police arrested 18 members of Herrira, the Basque prisoners’ support group, which has played an important role in defending the human rights of Basque prisoners and in promoting a peaceful resolution of the conflict. There is cross-party outrage there at these arrests.

“The Spanish state has arrested these 18 campaigners on the ludicrous grounds that ETA also supports prisoners’ rights.

“It is evident that powerful elements of the Spanish state do not want the peace process to work and are trying to ensure its destruction with harsher laws and political arrests.

“The Spanish state must release these activists, show some indication that it is committed to peace and democracy and that it will respect human and political rights.

“Ireland and the EU cannot stand idly by while the peace process is being undermined by arrests and a political paralysis that is preventing new initiatives.”