On July 3, the Basque Government hosted a secret meeting in a remote farmhouse in Alzo, Guipúzcoa, bringing together 17 ETA prisoners and five victims of the now-defunct terrorist organization. The event consisted of discussions and shared experiences over the course of approximately nine hours, facilitated by two senior officials from the Basque Department of Justice, led by María Jesús San José. This initiative is part of a restorative justice program launched by the Basque Government aimed at reconciliation and healing despite the complex social ramifications of ETA's violent past.

The meeting is indicative of the continued efforts to bridge the divide between victims and perpetrators, with María San Gil emphasizing the importance of ongoing work to address the socio-political landscape shaped by ETA's legacy. Notably, this program aligns with political pressures from the left-wing nationalist party Bildu, which has been vocal about the need for greater leniency towards ETA prisoners, thereby complicating the discourse around justice and victimhood in the region.

This secretive engagement of victims and perpetrators demonstrates a significant shift in the approach to addressing the impacts of terrorism in Spain, highlighting the nuanced and often contentious nature of reconciliation efforts. As the Basque Government continues to navigate these sensitive waters, the implications for future policies towards ETA prisoners and the overall societal healing in the Basque Country remain uncertain.