by Alan Jacques
A MOTION was put before Limerick City and County Council this week calling on the Spanish Government to end the dispersion of Basque political prisoners
It was proposed by Sinn Féin comhairleoir Séighin Ó Ceallaigh who claimed it was about “human rights, and not about taking sides in the political conflict”.
Cmhlr Ó Ceallaigh told council members that last year there were 491 Basque political prisoners held in 78 different prisons, and only three of these were held in the Basque Country.
“Of these 491 political prisoners, 198 were held over 800km away from their homes and a further 211 held over 400km away from their homes. This is an average of six Basque political prisoners per prison, with some being the only Basque native in the entire prison,” said the City East representative.
“This system is killing people, as there have been many suicides caused by this policy. The Basque political prisoners are alone in these prisons, full of Spanish prisoners, many of whom are anti-Basque. Their families and friends cannot do an 1,800km return trip to see them, and because of this, many find themselves in a dark place mentally,” he told the local authority.
His motion was seconded by Sinn Féin councillor for Newcastle West, Seamus Browne.
