In the Spanish National Court, between June 8 and 26, 16 individuals will be tried, accused of "glorification of terrorism" for their participation in a welcome event. The mobilization was dominated by flags advocating for amnesty, the Ikurriña (Basque flag), and Palestinian flags, with participants extending the protest beyond the issue of political prisoners.
Organizers emphasized that the proceedings represent an attack "on freedom of expression and political activism," and called for a popular response in the march connecting Algorta and Berango. At the final event in Berango, demonstrators listened to an audio recording of a bertso (Basque poetic verse) sent from prison, and two of the defendants spoke, advocating for "free welcomes".
We are 16 defendants, facing a total of 36 years in prison requests, 171 years of disqualification, and fines of 76,000 euros. The victory or defeat of this case does not lie in the sentence imposed by a fascist court, but in the political response of the People. And what we have seen today shows a clear verdict: there is a passion here for a free people.
Members of the "Berangokoekin Elkartasun Komitea" (Solidarity Committee with Berango residents) expressed gratitude to all the organizations that have offered support and solidarity over the past four years, highlighting the backing received throughout Euskal Herria. They also stated that the mobilization has revealed the support network built over these years and announced they will continue to provide updates on developments in the coming weeks leading up to the trial.
