Thousands march in Bilbao for return of ETA prisoners

Tens of thousands protested in Bilbao, northern Spain calling for the return of more than 400 prisoners linked to the Basque separatist group ETA who are being held outside the region. Families of the convicts, who are dispersed across 73 prisons in France and Spain, led the march in the Basque region’s most populous city. A banner called for “Basque prisoners in the Basque country” while the crowd chanted for those being held to be brought home. An estimated 70,000 people are thought to have taken part.

to end of the suffering of thousands of families who are affected by the dispersion

Joseba Azkarraga, spokesman

A simultaneous rally was held in Bayonne, the largest city in the French Basque country, which organisers said drew 10,000 people but the police said was attended by 7,500. The ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna, or Basque Fatherland and Liberty in Basque) has claimed responsibility for the death of 829 people over 40 years, but renounced violence in its struggle for independence four years ago. The organisation has refused to disband, largely so it can continue to represent members and allies still being held in prison.

Europe ETA prisoners