Ógra Activist Completes Tour of the Basque Country

Ógra Shinn Féin activist Ian Breslin has just returned home from a tour of the Basque Country (5 - 10 April). Ian was there to show our support for Segi, after they were deemed a ‘terrorist organisation’ by the Spanish courts. Whilst in the Basque country Ian addressed various gatherings and demonstrations.

Ian addressed an International rally in the Basque country which seen a crowd of over 10,000 people, he addressed the crowd in their native Basque language. However whilst in the Basque region, Ian experienced the repression felt by the Basque people, who have to endure it on a daily basis. He was held by the guardio civil on a roadside in the Basque region along with Segi members. They were detained at the roadside for a number of hours.

Speaking following the tour Ian said,

“The tour around the Basque country was worthwhile and through it we in Ógra have demonstrated strong solidarity with Segi but also built up many contacts with other International youth movements. The situation in the Basque region at the minute is tense given the ruling by the Spanish courts regarding Segi. However saying this, there is a wealth of support for Segi in the Basque country and people, young and old, are coming out in protest demonstrations and are active in their opposition to the ruling."

"What is also evident, is the amount of young people willing to take on the leadership responsibilities within Segi. It is clear that this ruling will not stunt the growth or support which Segi enjoys."

"Whilst I was there we were stopped by the Spanish military who searched myself and several Segi activists at gunpoint, a statement I had planned to deliver at a demonstration was seized. I was questioned and the other occupants in the car were questioned as to how they knew me. So it was very clear that repression and intimidation is clearly evident in the Basque Country with the Spanish State endorsing the repression and intimidation handed out by their own military.”