We already know the sentence of the Spanish National Audience against the pro-amnesty movement. The judge Teresa Palacios has announced that from the 27 Basque citizens who where accused in the trial (everyone denied to declare, saying the National Audience was a political and not-legitimate tribunal), which began on the 21st of April, 21 are being sent to prison (15 immediately) and other 3 have been absolved. 3 citizens, Maitane Méndez, Jorge Luis Arredondo y Mitxel Sarasketa, had been absolved at the beggining of the trial.
Juan Mari Olano, Julen Zelarain and Aitor Jugo are going to prison for 10 years (the prosecution asked for 13). They are accused of ‘integration in a terrorist organisation’, and after serving their sentences with complete inhablitiation, they’ll not be allowed to work in public services for 12 years.
The rest of imprisoned citizens, Jagoba Terrones, Maite Díaz de Heredia, Iker Zubia, Gorka Zulaika, Jon Imanol Beaskoa, Ainhoa Irastorza, Julen Larrinaga, Aratz Estonba, Josu Beaumont, Alex Belasko, Txema Olabarrieta, Gotzon Amaro, Iñaki de Reta, Jorge Txokarro, Gari Arriaga, Iñaki Loizaga, Asier Birunbrales and Xabin Juaristi, are going to prison for 8 years (the prosecution asked for 10). They are accused of ‘integration in a terrorist organisation’, and after serving their sentences with complete inhablitiation, they’ll not be allowed to work in public services for 10 years.
Finally, Julen Arzuaga, Juan Antonio Madariaga and Ixone Urzelai have been absolved. Besides, this tribunal has decided to definitely “ban and dissolve” the Basque pro-amnesty movements ‘Gestoras pro-amnistía’ and ‘Askatasuna’, which had been provissionally banned in 2001 and 2002, by judge Baltasar Garzón.
However, the spokesmen of the pro-amnesty movement have promised to keep on the struggle, working for the civil and political rights of the Basque people as they have been doing for the last four decades. Today, there’ll be mobilizations in all cities and villages of the Basque Country.
