1 October 1998 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Saoirse supports Basque POWs

By Sean O'Tuama

Two delegates from Saoirse's Six County executive, Frances McHugh and Patricia Moore, recently visited the Basque country and met with community, political and church representatives there. They also met with Basque prisoners groups who detailed the poor conditions under which the prisoners are held, and the ill treatment and torture inflicted on them. Their visit coincided with ETA announcing their ceasefire and inspired an appeal from Saoirse for Basque prisoners to now be released, with an amnesty for those Basque citizens still under threat of arrest by Spanish and French authorities.

Ms McHugh said the Saoirse delegates ``are utterly shocked at the pain and suffering of the Basque people. We are presently preparing a report on the issue of the prisoners and their families. We demand, in light of the ETA ceasefire, the immediate improvement in conditions of imprisonment, the repatriation of Basque prisoners to the Basque country, recognition of their status of political prisoners and their release, and that the refugees (over 2,000 on the run) be allowed home.''

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland