Madrid arrests Basque leaders

By Norm Dixon

The Spanish government has begun arresting leaders of the Basque Country's militant, legal nationalist party, Herri Batasuna. Six members of the organisation's executive were detained on February 18, accused of collaborating with Euskadi ta Askatasuna (ETA), a guerilla army engaged in armed struggle to gain independence for Euskadi (Basque Country).

HB executive member Eugenio Aranburu committed suicide on February 10, just hours before he was to be detained.

The charges relate to HB's distribution and screening of a video during last year's general election which included three ETA volunteers outlining ETA's proposals for a negotiated settlement of the conflict in Euskadi.

The Spanish state's Audiencia Nacional, a special tribunal, ordered the seizure of the video and the imprisonment of Jon Idigoras, HB MP and spokesperson. He was held for almost four months before being released on bail.

Subsequently, all 25 members of HB's national executive were summoned to answer charges in Madrid. HB refused, because it does not recognise Madrid's authority over Euskadi.

Herri Batasuna, which won the support of 13% of the Basque Country's voters in the last provincial election, argues that Madrid is attempting to suppress the militant Basque voice in the region.

"They are trying to prevent us from defending our political opinions. They are not accusing us of using violence; they are accusing us of presenting the only peace proposal now on the table", said HB spokesperson Eusebio Lasa.

In the video, ETA proposed negotiations between ETA and the Spanish government in which Spain would recognise the right of Euskadi to self-determination.

The arrests come as the Basque Country is experiencing an upsurge in ETA's armed actions. In recent weeks, several police officers and a supreme court judge have lost their lives.

On February 15, police attacked a peaceful demonstration of 10,000 people in Bilbao with rubber bullets, tear gas and live ammunition. The demonstration was demanding the release of Basque political prisoners. Many shouted slogans supporting independence for Euskadi and ETA.

On February 19, a two-week strike and road blockade by thousands of truck drivers was suspended. The strike -- over demands for a lower retirement age, lower fuel prices and better health and safety -- was strongest in the north and crippled Spain's car industry. Madrid accused Herri Batasuna of inciting the strike.

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