In Spain, a large majority of ETA prisoners are also kept under the strictest “first degree” jail regime which bans them from obtaining leave. With ETA now poised to disband, the prisoners’ families are hoping that will change. Jean-Rene Etchegaray, mayor of the French Basque city of Bayonne, warned that failure to send signs to ETA members that peace yields dividends could radicalise a new generation of young Basque separatists. Catalan assembly speaker urges release of jailed presidential candidateThe Spanish government also appeared unmoved, including on the conditions of Basque prisoners. Jean-Francois Blanco, a lawyer who has defended several ETA members, said Spain’s failure to respond to ETA’s apology with a gesture would be ‘criminal’.

Source: The Express Tribune May 02, 2018 06:45 UTC