Basque Youth Solidarity Mural launched in West Tyrone

The strong solidarity links between Basque and Irish youth is the main message on a new mural painted by West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin. The mural was painted during the recent ‘International Week of Solidarity’ with the Basque Country and will be erected in Carrickmore to coincide with and be witnessed by the large crowds attending the Tyrone County Commemoration on Easter Sunday.

The republican youth movement produced the mural to highlight their ongoing solidarity, following the recent increase in repression against the Basque youth movement Segi, which has included the arrest of 34 of its young activists.

Local MLA Barry McElduff, who has met representatives of Segi in the past, was present for the launch of the mural, prior to its erection in Carrickmore.



Speaking on the mural, West Tyrone Ógra activist Peader McNally from Carrickmore, said,

“West Tyrone Ógra have hosted many delegations of Segi in the past, and many of our activists have travelled to the Basque Country, and experienced at first hand, the repression of the Spanish State. At this time of massive repression against the young people of the Basque Country it is important that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them, highlighting the injustices and condemning the fascism of the Spanish state.”

“The mural, alongside the recent motion we passed in Omagh District Council are examples of simple things that can be done to shine a spotlight and raise awareness of the daily atrocities being carried out against the youth of the Basque Country. We will continue to highlight the human rights abuses being carried out by the Spanish, and stand proudly with our friends and comrades in Segi, their defiance is inspirational.”