Batasuna Leader in Ireland

Ógra activists with Arneldo Otegi and Alex Maskey

The Roddy McCorley Club provided a typically warm welcome last night, for republicans from all over Belfast as well as well as a considerable amount of our Basque comrades.

One particularly special guest was Basque political leader Arnaldo Otegi. The Batasuna leader was accompanied by party negotiator Pernando Barrena and provided an inspirational night all round.

Despite the language barrier, Mr Otegi spoke passionately about the struggle for Basque independence. The meeting chaired by Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, also had in it’s company former Belfast City Councillor Pat Rice who acted as translator for the evening.

Mr Otegi spoke of the ongoing struggle in the Basque Country, both in the Spanish occupied provinces and those occupied by the French State. He particularly pointed out the French Government who maintain there is no Basque issue within their state. Notably he stated,

“There can be no solution in the Basque country which does not include the French occupied territories.”

He went on to answer questions from the floor regarding issues like armed struggle, the Basque language and the plight of Hunger Striker Iñaki de Juana Chaos. He was pleased to announce at the event Iñaki had just been sentenced by the Spanish Government to 3 years and therefore would be eligible for release very shortly!

Mr Otegi also took time out to highlight the injustice of the Spainsh Government’s orders to arrest the leadership’s of Basque youth movements Jarrai, Haika and Segi. The Spanish Government’s attempts to criminalise the Basque community and youth sounds strangely familiar, and will surely familiarly fail!

The Basque people continue to provide inspiration to others around the world and we, Ógra Shinn Féin send our continuing solidarity to them in their struggle for independence!

Jo ta ke!

Tiocfaidh Ár Lá!!