Barry McNally
National PRO
Ógra Shinn Féin
A large Ógra Shinn Féin delegation numbering over 20 activists have completed a week long tour of the Basque country. The Irish delegation was there to support the Basque youth organisation, SEGI, after being deemed a ‘terrorist organisation’ by the Spanish judiciary. They were also there to update the Basque on the current situation in Ireland and also to learn the lessons of the pro independence movement in the Basque country.
Throughout the week the Irish delegation met with the leaderships of SEGI and Batasuna, both highlighted the continuing oppression in the Basque country despite a willingness on their behalf for a peaceful resolution to the Basque conflict. However the Spanish government continued in its campaign of repression, even arresting Batasuna leader Arnold Otegi.
It was en-route to this meeting that Ógra experienced the repression in the Basque country. The bus which was carrying the Irish delegation was forced to the side of the road by the Guardia civil. Members of the Guardia civil entered the bus and demanded identification from everyone one the bus. The clár of events for the week long tour were also seized. Following this the clár had to be changed to prevent further hold ups on roadsides. The delegation was held for just over an hour before proceeding on our way to our political engagements. Also upon returning from the engagement we were once again held, this time for 45 minutes before returning to Bilbao.
Ógra were also involved variously in press conferences, meetings, protests, demonstrations and were hosted by an official reception in the Basque stronghold of Oiartzun.
On Sunday Ógra attended a demonstration in support of the Basque political prisoners. The demonstration was deemed illegal by the Spanish establishment. However thousands were on the streets supporting the prisoners. Without provocation the Basque police opened fire on the crowd with baton rounds. The demonstration remained peaceful on behalf of the protestors; however the trigger happy Basque police fired upwards of 100 rounds within the first hour of the demonstration. People were arrested and injured due to the baton charges of the pro Spanish Forces.
Upon the conclusion of the demonstration the Irish delegation attended a large festival in Zarautz. There was a large mobilisation in support of the Basque youth movement Segi in which Ógra formed a part. The Irish delegation formed up at the front of the parade and was invited to speak at the conclusion on the mobilisation. Ógra Shinn Fein national organiser Barry McColgan addressed the mobilisation in the Basque language and was joined on stage by the rest of the Ógra Shinn Féin delegation.
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