Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has stated that the decision to extradite Inaki de Juana, a member of the Basque community living in Belfast, is wrong and is a purely punitive and politically motivated action on behalf of the Spanish government.
Speaking on Tuesday 2 March Ms de Brún said: “This decision to extradite Inaki de Juana is entirely wrong and is an extremely negative move. At a time when the Abertzale Left in the Basque Country are engaging in dialogue to secure a peaceful and democratic framework towards the resolution of the conflict we see the Spanish authorities pursuing punitive and unconstructive actions such as this.
“Such actions do not build confidence, nor peace. This is a purely punitive and politically motivated action.
“Mr de Juana is accused of writing a letter, that was read at a rally that he did not even attend that held the phrase ‘kick the ball forward’ – which, according to the Spanish Authorities constitutes a message of support for armed struggle.
“Mr de Juana has made it clear that he left the Basque Country immediately upon his release in order to begin a new life in Ireland, where he has been living openly, and states that he did not write such a letter. The Spanish police admit they cannot produce it.
“There are now serious concerns about Mr de Juana’s wellbeing and health if he is to be extradited.
“If any sense of justice were to prevail we would see that these are spurious charges and need to be dismissed.
“The Spanish government must desist from such actions as this extradition and focus upon exploring and building upon the unconditional declaration of support for a peaceful, political and democratic process by the Basque Abertzale Left grouping.”
