Torture Continues

As more and more Basques are set free after being detained a couple of weeks ago accused of belonging to ETA, the concern in Euskal Herria grows. The practice of torture against the detainees is as rampant as it was during the previous governments, including that of Felipe Gonzalez, who as part of the ruling PSOE unleashed the so called "dirty war" against the Basque armed group.

Here is a couple of notes that appeared today at Berria English:

PSOE carrying on same way as before says Askatasuna

The new Spanish Government has been accused of “opting for repression once again”

Eneko Bidegain – BAIONA

On one side are Patxi Ruiz’s parents, and on the other Jon Aginagalde’s father and Garikoitz Urizar’s sister. In recent days Ruiz and Aginagalde have been beaten in prison. Urizar was arrested during the latest police swoop in Bilbo and denounced bad treatment. They are there alongside Jean-François Lefort, the Askatasuna spokesman, to bear witness to the first seven months of the PSOE's policy.

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Arriola also denounces torture inflicted until his release

Another two detainees were set free yesterday: Perez and Regeiro. They both appeared before the judge earlier on and were remanded in custody. Basabe is due to go before the judge today when his period in incommunicado detention ends

Editorial Staff – DONOSTIA (San Sebastian)

A further three young people arrested during the police operation in Bilbo were released yesterday afternoon: Asier Arriola, Oskar Perez and Sergio Regeiro. Asier Arriola testified before the judge yesterday and was released afterwards. Askatasuna disclosed that Arriola had denounced being tortured and that yesterday he “was going to hospital to undergo a medical examination before filing a judicial complaint”. Oskar Perez and Sergio Regeiro, who, by contrast, had been remanded in custody, were released yesterday. They left Soto del Real prison at 20.45 hours. According to Askatasuna “the defence counsel of the two lads had requested their release on the grounds that there were no charges against them”. The three young people were released without having to post bail, but they will have to report to the authorities every month, according to the Askatasuna association.

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