Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubina, known as Txeroki, formerly the head of the Basque militant group ETA, has been released under a semi-liberty arrangement from Martutene prison in San Sebastián. This arrangement allows him to be outside of prison from Monday to Friday, but he is required to return to the facility each evening. The decision was made following a recommendation from the prison treatment board and is enabled by a provision in the Spanish prison regulations that permits such arrangements for certain inmates, particularly those sentenced for terrorism-related offenses.

This semi-freedom measure does not equate to a full release, as Txeroki retains obligations that reflect the serious nature of his past actions. The Basque Government's authorization comes amid ongoing discussions about the treatment of ETA members and the transition from the extreme measures that followed decades of violence. The decision has sparked reactions among various political and social groups in Spain, reflecting the contentious legacy of ETA’s actions and their continuing impact on Spanish society.

Critics of the decision may view it as controversial, given ETA's violent history and the pain caused to victims and their families. Supporters, however, might argue it reflects a move towards reconciliation and the normalization of the lives of former militants who have served their maximum sentences. Overall, the release of Txeroki under semi-freedom signals a significant moment in the ongoing process of addressing the legacy of ETA and its members within Spanish law and society.