Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubina, better known by his alias 'Txeroki', the former leader of the Basque militant group ETA, was granted semi-liberty from his prison in Donostia (San Sebastián) early yesterday morning. This decision permits him to leave the Martutene prison every weekday, pending any potential revocation by the judge overseeing his case, who had previously expressed concerns over the adequacy of information regarding permission to leave. The Basque Government's decision marks a significant shift in the handling of high-profile prisoners linked to ETA, reflecting ongoing debates around reconciliation and justice in Spain.

The background to this development includes the Spanish National Court's reluctance to initially approve any exit permits based on the perceived risk connected with releasing such offenders. However, the prison's Treatment Board had recommended these permissions, prompting a legal evaluation by the prison monitoring prosecutor, Carlos García Berro, and Judge José Luis de Castro. The judge deemed the information provided insufficient, demanding further documentation before making a definitive decision. The subsequent release under article 100.2 of the prison regulations highlights potential gaps in the legal framework surrounding parole and release conditions for individuals convicted of terrorism.

This case reflects broader societal and political currents in Spain, where the legacy of ETA continues to stir controversy and debate over issues of justice, punishment, and the rights of prisoners. The granting of semi-liberty to 'Txeroki' may trigger reactions from victims' groups and political opponents who view leniency towards former militants with skepticism. The potential impacts of this release on public sentiment and political discourse will be closely observed, as Spain navigates the complexities of healing from its past conflicts and striving towards a cohesive national narrative.