The local branch of Ógra Shinn Féin recently held a white-line picket in Strabane town centre calling for independence for the Basque country. The protest which was held on Saturday 14th February was attended by members of the Irish/Basque committees and Sinn Féin, and demonstrated support for the right of the Basque people to an independent nation. Speaking following Saturday’s demonstration, spokesperson for the local Tobias Molloy Ógra Shinn Féin cumann, Seán Mac Giolla Easpaig said;
“I am happy with the turnout at today’s event and with the response we got from the Strabane public. The aim of this past week of international solidarity organised by the Basque internationalist organisation ‘Askepena’ is to break down the wall of silence which surrounds the conflict there.”
“Severe censorship on the part of the Spanish and French states in relation to the Basque country has resulted in people around the world receiving little or no information on what is happening, unless there are accusations being thrown at the pro-independence movement.”
“We hope that events such as today’s which have been organised across Ireland and indeed world wide, help to raise awareness of the plight of the Basque people, who’s voice has been silenced by the undemocratic actions of the Spanish and French states.”
The spokesperson continued;
“Ógra Shinn Féin stands shoulder to shoulder with our comrades in Euskal Herria, and we support their efforts to secure a democratic solution to the conflict, something which is being made increasingly impossible by the repressive actions of the governments of Spain and France.”
“It is deplorable that in a so-called EU democracy we have the systematic denial of civil rights, torture of political prisoners, and banning of legitimate political parties and cultural organisations.”
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