ETA prisoners: Only 29 remain in strict closed regimes in Spain

The release of ETA prisoners in Spain has reached a significant milestone following political negotiations between the government of Pedro Sánchez and EH Bildu. According to data from the Basque Political Prisoners Collective (EPPK), only 29 individuals associated with the terrorist group ETA remain in strict closed prison regimes.

This development follows a strategic goal set by EH Bildu leader Arnaldo Otegi in 2021, when he stated that the party would support the national budget in exchange for legislative changes to favor the release of ETA prisoners. The process has been facilitated through the transfer of penitentiary competencies to the Basque government, allowing for the application of third-degree regimes, house arrest, and other modified sentencing structures.

Critics of the government's approach argue that these measures represent a political trade-off to maintain power, suggesting that the legislative changes have allowed for the premature release of individuals involved in past terrorist activities.