Message from Campaign: Act now to stop extradition
In the past few weeks the Don’t Extradite the Basques Campaign has received mixed news surrounding the extradition cases against two Belfast-based Basque men, Iñaki de Juana and Arturo ‘Beñat’ Villanueva. The Recorder’s Court ruled on March 1 that the extradition of Iñaki de Juana to Spain could proceed. Iñaki plans to appeal the verdict, taking the case to the High Court, and the Don’t Extradite the Basques Campaign is urging supporters to now step up their efforts to stop the extradition from proceeding.
On March 3, the Spanish authorities announced that they would not appeal the High Court ruling on February 24 upholding the decision that the warrant against Arturo ‘Beñat’ Villanueva was invalid. The High Court agreed that it lacked particularities as to any offences committed and to his alleged membership of Jarrai – a youth organisation that was legal during the time of his alleged membership.
The Don’t Extradite the Basques Campaign has welcomed this great news. We believe it demonstrates the politically motivated nature of the warrants against both men who have been fighting extradition. We are asking you all to step up your efforts, in whatever way you can, to support the campaign to stop the extradition of Iñaki proceeding.
This is a politically motivated case. The court’s judgement was a political ruling. So as he begins the process of appealing against the Belfast court’s decision, we need to build the maximum public awareness, support and political pressure to ensure that the appeal can be successful.
The Don’t Extradite the Basques Campaign will be organising a series of events in the coming months to build this political pressure, including actions and a big public meeting in west Belfast. Central to the campaign is gathering support for the petition against the extradition. If you or your organisation haven’t yet signed the petition, we’d urge you to take a moment now to show your support here. We’d also ask for your support for the upcoming events being organised by the Campaign.
Go raibh maith agat/Eskerrik asko!
