Basque Peace process update | 29 comments (29 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Basque Peace process update (4.00 / 2)

I recall Migeru or kcurie mentioning how there are still many long ago right wing hold-overs in the judiciary. I hope this decision was not by someone who had ulterior motives. Was it? Or was it a fair decision?

"Once in awhile we get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if we look at it right" - Hunter/Garcia

by whataboutbob on Thu Apr 27th, 2006 at 02:19:13 PM EST

Re: Basque Peace process update (4.00 / 2)

Otegi has a number of pending court cases mostly about "apology of terrorism". As the Attorney General (and the Audiencia Nacional or National Court) went out of their way to release him on bail two weeks ago after the ceasefire was announced, I don't think this decision is politically motivated. Batasuna will protest vigorously now, just like the PP protested vigorously when Otegi (and two co-defendants) went free on bail.

A society committed to the notion that government is always bad will have bad government. And it doesn't have to be that way. — Paul Krugman

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Apr 27th, 2006 at 04:27:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Basque Peace process update (4.00 / 2)

This just in (El Pais):

The [National] Court sentences Otegi to 15 months in Prison, but the [State] Prosecutor will not request that he actually be sent to Prison
The Prosecutor announces that, for "reasons of prudence", the execution of the sentence will not be requested [...] given that the ruling can be appealed and the imprisonment is for less than 2 years.

Holy shit!

Just before the ceasefire, the Attorney General forced the previous Prosecutor at the Audiencia Nacional to resign, because of their constant disagreements. The timing was retrospectively criticized by the PP as layig the groundwork for releasing Otegi on bail after the ceasefire. This latest decision will only give the PP additional reason to protest.

A society committed to the notion that government is always bad will have bad government. And it doesn't have to be that way. — Paul Krugman

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Apr 27th, 2006 at 06:10:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Basque Peace process update (4.00 / 2)

Wow indeed. Every time I think I follow a new twist emerges.

Here's what I was able to find in English (from the Basque News and Information Channel web site):

Arnaldo Otegi, who will have a leading role in any peace process with the Basque armed group ETA, because of Batasuna's links to the organisation, will be able to appeal the sentence, sources said.

Under Spanish law Otegi could be jailed pending an appeal but prosecutor Jesus Santos said he would not request this because he believes Otegi does not pose a flight risk.

Whether Otegi now goes to prison depends on whether he is considered dangerous by the public prosecutor while he prepares an appeal, judicial sources said.

Does that match what's reported in El Pais?

by Alexandra in WMass (alexandra_wmass[a|t]yahoo[d|o|t]fr) on Thu Apr 27th, 2006 at 06:54:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Basque Peace process update (4.00 / 2)

Yes, that is correct. If the public prosecutor agrees with the defence that there is no risk Otegi will flee, he won't go into prison.

That was exactly the reason given to allow him to go free on bail last time, and the reason why the previous Audiencia Nacional prosecutor was relieved of his duties.

A society committed to the notion that government is always bad will have bad government. And it doesn't have to be that way. — Paul Krugman

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Fri Apr 28th, 2006 at 04:29:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Basque Peace process update | 29 comments (29 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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