Basque prisoners' plight discussed at Féile debate

CALLS for the release of all Basque political prisoners was the subject of debate at this year's Féile an Phobail in west Belfast, building on the International Declaration to Free Arnaldo Otegi that was launched in Brussels in March.

The Féile event was sponsored by the Belfast Basque Solidarity Committee whose chair, Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín, called for the end of the Spanish state's policy of 'dispersal' that sees Basque prisoners held in jails thousands of kilometres from the families.

Many are held in solitary confinement.

Writer and commentator Jude Collins chaired the discussion with the main speakers being Assembly member Gerry Kelly from Sinn Féin, Reverend Harold Good (who played an important role in the Peace Process in Ireland) and Basque Senator Urko Aiartza.

Before the discussion, a short film was shown highlighting the Spanish state's draconian treatment of Basque activists and the inhuman treatment of political prisoners, some of whom are terminally ill.