The former ETA leader 'Txeroki', hooded and in black, leaves Martutene prison
Garikoitz Azpiazu 'Txeroki', the former leader of ETA, is now free on semi-liberty after serving over 17 years in prison.
Garikoitz Azpiazu, known as 'Txeroki', has been released from the Martutene prison in San Sebastián, where he had been incarcerated for over 17 years due to his involvement with the Basque terrorist organization ETA. Despite his release, he is required to return to the prison in the evenings, as he is under a semi-liberty arrangement, known as article 100.2, which allows certain prisoners to spend time outside of the prison under specific conditions.
Txeroki's release comes after a lengthy legal and social debate surrounding the treatment of former ETA members and their reintegration into society. His release is part of a gradual shift in policy regarding the handling of former terrorist prisoners, which has seen other members of ETA also being granted similar arrangements. The implications of such decisions are significant, as they can affect public sentiment regarding terrorism, justice, and reconciliation in Spain, particularly in the Basque region.
The decision to allow Txeroki to spend weekdays outside of prison reflects ongoing discussions about balancing justice and the rights of inmates who have served substantial sentences. There remains a stark divide in public opinion concerning ETA's legacy, with some viewing these moves as necessary steps towards peace and others perceiving them as an unjust leniency towards individuals responsible for violence and suffering.