éirígí: For A Socialist Republic

Persecution of Basque Activist Wrong

22/04/09

Basque solidarity activists converged on the High Court éirígí spokesperson Breandán Mac Cionnaith has called for legal proceedings against Arturo Villanueva to be ended immediately.

Villanueva was arrested by the PSNI in Belfast this morning [Wednesday] and brought before a Belfast court, where he was granted bail.

Breandán said: “This is a clear cut case of political persecution. The Spanish authorities are seeking to prosecute Arturo on charges relating to membership of an open, political organisation – a Basque pro-independence youth movement.

“Over the last decade, the Spanish government has banned a number of perfectly legitimate organisations in the Basque Country, including political parties, youth movements and newspapers, and jailed members of these groups. There are over 700 Basque political prisoners in Spanish jails.”

Breandán continued: “Arturo has built a life for himself in this country and has become part of the community in west Belfast. He should be allowed to get on with that life without fear of further persecution.

“It is worrying that this is the second extradition case to be initiated by the Spanish government, and facilitated by the PSNI, against Basque political activists who have chose to live in Ireland.

“éirígí extends its solidarity to Arturo and his partner at what must be a difficult time. I am confident that the community that they have become part of will offer all the support that is needed.”

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