Jon Bienzobas Arretxe, notorious for the assassination of Francisco Tomás y Valiente in 1996, has been approved for semi-liberty, which permits him to leave the Basauri prison from 8 AM to 9 PM daily. This decision follows a personalized plan authorized by the prison treatment board of Zaballa, made just days after the 30th anniversary of the assassination. This notable adjustment in Bienzobas's incarceration status highlights ongoing discussions regarding the treatment of convicted terrorists within the Spanish prison system.

The killing of Tomás y Valiente, a respected law professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid, was a significant event in Spain's struggle against ETA’s violence during the 1990s and has continued implications for society’s views on terrorism and justice. Bienzobas, who managed to infiltrate Tomás y Valiente's office under the guise of a student, was sentenced to 266 years in prison for his actions but has now served nearly 27 years.

Bienzobas’s eligibility for semi-liberty raises questions about the criteria used for such decisions and the ongoing debates surrounding the rights of prisoners convicted of political crimes. As Spain continues to navigate its past with ETA-related violence, the release of individuals like Bienzobas could evoke strong reactions from victims' families and the public, potentially impacting ongoing political and social dialogues about terrorism and penal reform in Spain.