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Sare announces a change in its model for supporting prisoners

The association for Basque prisoners summarizes its fourteen-year journey and outlines future steps in Arrasate.

Generic image of a large-scale mobilization.
IA

Generic image of a large-scale mobilization.

Sare Herritarra, after fourteen years of work supporting Basque prisoners, announced this Saturday in Arrasate a change in its mobilization model and anticipates its own disappearance.

Sare Herritarra was founded in 2012, at a time when ETA had just announced the end of armed struggle and the consequences of the conflict were still very present. The association's goal was to "seek plurality to end the violation of the rights of Basque prisoners, taking into full account all victims of violence."
Nahikari Iturbe and Joseba Azkarraga, spokespersons for Sare, explained that they initially denounced the "policy of distancing and dispersal," which led to road accidents and deaths. Today, they state that the situation has changed: from 665 prisoners, about 120 remain, of whom 70% are in third grade or under article 100.2.
This situation "requires adapting our dynamics," announced Sare. They foresee the 2026-2027 period as a transition phase, and added that they will "analyze how to act with mobilizations and their suitability." "We must consider that, if things are done well, the end of Sare will be a collective and discreet victory," they stated.
For many years, at the beginning of January, Sare organized a demonstration in Bilbao in favor of prisoners' rights. The next one will be on January 9, 2027, under the slogan "Denok Bilbora. Helmuga, denak etxera!" (Everyone to Bilbao. Destination, everyone home!), and they announced it will be the last. "We will go with the firm will to take the definitive step so that words like coexistence and resolution become reality," the spokespersons specified, "and that will only be possible with Basque prisoners free, with everyone returning home, and respecting the victims of all violence."
Sare acknowledges that there are still difficulties on the path for all prisoners and fugitives to return home. Thirteen fugitives and three deportees are abroad, and the National Court is acting harshly in their cases. Furthermore, they mentioned the situation of prisoners in France, such as Mikel Karrera and Saioa Sanchez.
The biggest challenge lies with the fourteen prisoners serving 40-year sentences, some of whom will not be eligible for their first permits until 2040. Additionally, about a dozen cases are open against individuals allegedly belonging to ETA's leadership, attributing responsibility for attacks from that period.

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