The article discusses the historical figure Idoia López Riaño, a member of ETA known as 'the Tigress,' her violent past, and the recent novel inspired by her life.
The article delves into the life of Idoia López Riaño, a notorious female terrorist of the Basque separatist group ETA, known for her brutal reputation and seductive charm, earning her the nickname 'the Tigress.' Between 1984 and 1986, she was responsible for 23 murders, which contributed to the violent and tumultuous history of Euskadi, the Basque Country in Spain. Arrested in 1996 and sentenced to over two thousand years in prison, she was released in 2017 after showing remorse and renouncing violence, marking a significant moment in the legacy of ETA's violent struggle for independence.
The piece also references Clara Usón's novel 'Le belve,' which was recently published and captures the complexities of Idoia's story along with the broader narrative of ETA and the GAL, the Spanish paramilitary groups that emerged during this tumultuous period. This historical context is crucial as it reflects the ongoing societal debates in Spain about terrorism, justice, and reconciliation with a painful past. Usón's work appears to blend historical facts and fiction, providing readers with a deepened understanding of the characters involved and the societal impacts of their actions.
The narrative of Idoia López Riaño encapsulates the fierce ideological battles during the 1980s in Spain, highlighting the personal transformations that can occur even among those who have committed heinous acts. The themes of guilt, redemption, and the repercussions of violence resonate not only in the Basque region but across Spain as it grapples with its history of terrorism and the quest for peace in a divided society.
