Éirígí For A New Republic Supports Protesting Basque Political Prisoners
Éirígí For a New Republic stands with Basque political prisoners who are struggling against inhumane and degrading treatment by the Spanish prison authorities.
Of particular concern is the case of Basque political prisoner Patxi Ruiz who began a hunger and thirst strike from his cell in Murcia II prison on May 11. Patxi was hospitalised on Friday (May 22) after twelve days without food or liquid amid fears of possible organ failure.
After doctors administered two litres of serum into his body, Patxi altered his protest by taking liquids, while still refusing all food. Following a voluntary discharge from the hospital, he is now back in Murcia II prison where he continues his protest.
Speaking from Athlone, Éirígí General Secretary Mickey Moran said,
“The Covid-19 crisis has seen the Spanish prison authorities introduce additional repressive measures against Basque political prisoners. These measures came on top of a pre-existing prison regime which was both vindictive and inhumane, including a dispersal policy where Basque prisoners are sent to prisons far from the Basque homeland and their families.
Despite the Covid-19 lockdown, solidarity protests have taken place across the Basque country.
A difficult situation for families in normal times has been compounded by quarantine and restricted movement. In response the prisoners have compiled a list of demands including transfers to prisons nearer to their homeland, the release of vulnerable and elderly prisoners, the release of prisoners who are near to the completion of their sentences and the accommodation of family visits.
Almost ten years after the formal end of ETA’s armed struggle and three years after ETA put its weapons beyond use, the Spanish and French governments have yet to address the issue of Basque prisoners.
Éirígí takes this opportunity to extend our solidarity to the protesting Basque prisoners and applaud the Basque people who have held solidarity demonstrations on the outside. We call for a swift resolution to the current prison conflict and the full implementation of the prisoners demands ahead of a general amnesty for all Basque prisoners.”