Mocion of censure against Barcina

Finally, EH Bildu (coalition of pro-independence and leftist political parties) presented the motion of censure against the president of Nafarroa (south basque country) Yolanda Barcina. Geroa Bai (pro-basque culture in Nafarroa) and Izquierda-Ezkerra (spanish left coalition) supported the motion of censure.

However, PSOE (or PSN in Nafarroa) decided to support Yolanda's government abstaining in the vote (surely that decision was taken in Madrid). Curiously they also asked the resignation of Yolanda Barcina.If PSOE-PSN would have voted in favour of the motion of censure, Yolanda Barcina would be out of the government. Yolanda Barcina and her political party (UPN) is linked with different economical scandals. UPN members showed a photograph in which appear different members of EH Bildu with an Ikurriña (basque flag) requiring the resignation of Barcina and independence: "You want independence, prisoners and a united Basque Country. You will not cheat us". The leader of PSOE-PSN said that they are not going to collaborate with EH Bildu by their attitude with ETA violence and their important differences with Nafarroa institutional model (unite it with Euskadi).

 

A group of people protested out of the Nafarroa's parliament. They required the resignation of Yolanda Barcina. There were moments of tension with foral police (Nafarroa regional police).

Arrested six youth in Donostia

At 6.00, one hundred of Ertzainas (basque regional police) appeared in the "Askegune" (free-space) of Donosti (Gipuzkoa south basque country).  After sorround the people who were protecting the persecuted youth, police cut all the entrances to the square. They needed two hours to destroy the "people's wall".

At 6.30, they started to take out of there the supporters that were resisting peacefully while they shout different slogans "Herriak ez du barkatu-The people will not forgive", "Zuena biolentzia nazkagarria-Yours is the nasty violence" or "Iñigo Cabacas gogoan zaitugu-We remember you Iñigo Cabacas" (killed by Ertzaintza on 2012). Some of the supporters were treated violently by Ertzaintza, suffering blows and punches. Police also identified the people who were protesting. Finally, six of the persecuted youth (they are eight) were arrested (Oier Lorente, Mikel Arretxe, Aitor Olaizola, Egoi Alberdi, Adur Otaegi and Ekaitz Ezkerrera). Some media said that another 2 youth were arrested also.

A Night at Aske Gunea

Update: According to Basque Info, dozens of police vehicles have been seen on their way to Donostia (Gipuzkoa south basque country). Check points are being set up at the entrance of the city.

Source: http://askegunea.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/eng-a-night-at-aske-gunea/

Yesterday, several vans of the Basque police came to Aske Gunea (the Free Space) in order to arrest the 8 youths who have recently been sentenced to lengthy prison terms. They came twice during the night, first at 00:30 and again at 4:00

On both occassions, our alarm went off and the people gathered quickly around the sentenced youths to prevent their arrest. As much as 500 people peacefully confronted the police, sitting on the ground and holding each other’s arms. In the end, the police gave up and left.

During these tense moments, a spokesperson grabbed the microphone and repeated the message we have been spreading this week: we will defend our youths at all times by resorting to peaceful but firm civil disobidience.

We want to renew our call to the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV/EAJ): “This is a sincere invitation to join this People’s Wall. We call on you not to send the Basque Autonomous Police against our youths. Do not use the Basque Police to enforce unjust laws which the Spanish Government imposes on us and to arrest our youths” We are in a new time and everyone’s contribution is more necessary than ever for a peaceful solution to the Basque political conflict.

 In Aske Gunea, we are awaiting Mr Urkullu’s response, but the web has already spoken. Yesterday night, #urkulluezbidaliertzaintza (Don’t send the police against us) became a trending topic in all Basque-language social media. We think that most Basque citizens agree with us and are supportive of our struggle. In this new time of no violence, no-one should be jailed for their political work.

Around noon, we have received information about more police vans moving around the town. According to our reports, as much as 12 police vans have been seen heading for Donostia.

More information:

• E-mail: askegunea@hotmail.com
  
• Ander: (00 34) 660 830 912
  
• Beñat: (00 34) 615 721 373
  

Live information of what’s going on at Aske Gunea:

• http://askegunea.wordpress.com
  
• Twiter: @askeguneaeng
  

Aske Gunea Communication Team

People's protection avoids the arrest of the eight of Donostia

According to naiz, the "people's wall" has prevented the arrest of the eight of Donostia (Gipuzkoa south basque country). Hundreds of people (specially young people) slept yesterday with the persecuted young in a square of Donostia.

At 00:00, several vans of Ertzaintza (basque regional police) appeared with lights turn on and sirens. After moments of tension, Ertzaintza decided to withdraw. At 04:00, Ertzaintza tried again to arrest the persecuted youth but people's protection avoid the arrest again. According to the persecuted youth, it has been an act of provocation and they have also thanked the support that they are receiving. Ernai and Ikasle Abertzaleak have called different mobilizations in protest of the situation.

Basque Murals: Independence and Socialism

"On the way of independence and socialism, organization and struggle"

Iker Rodrigo released

Iker Rodrigo when he was arrested

Iker Rodrigo (a militant of Sortu arrested after the last goodbye to the basque political prisoner Xabier Lopez) have been released. He is accused of organize an event in tribute of Xabier Lopez. The spanish "Audencia Nacional" (a special court created to fight against basque struggle) has imposed him some measures: He must sign montly in a court, he can not go to other countries and if the court call him he must appear. After the arrest, spanish authorities anounced that they investigating Sortu to outlaw the political party.

Action of Askapena against the occupation of sahara

Bilbo yesterday

Askapena (a basque internationalist organization) called yesterday a protest in Bilbo (Bizkaia south basque country) in front of the Moroccan consulate. They have required the release of all political prisoners of world. Hundreds of people participated in the demonstration.

During the protest, two militants of Askapena used ropes to climb the building. According to Askapena, there were moments of tension with the people that is inside of the building (they tried to take the banner). Finally, Ertzaintza (basque regional appeared) and identified some of the participants in the protest. Askapena denounced yesterday "the situation of disperssion, abuse and human rights lack" that Saharaui prisoners suffer.

Picketers of Iruña against repression

According to naiz,  a group of picketers of Iruña (Nafarroa south basque country) have denounced that the prosecutor is requiring for them 4.5 years of prison and a fine of 6.000 Euro. They are accused of participating in an incident during the last general strike called by basque trade unions (ELA, LAB, EHNE, HIRU etc.). 

At the present time, there are different trials against picketers in south basque country. During the last two years, basque trade unions and social organizations have called different general strikes due to the social situation.