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The Basque government is granting semi-freedom to former ETA member Zapata after rethinking the proposal
Spain🏛️ PoliticsCenter5 hr. ago

The Basque government is granting semi-freedom to former ETA member Zapata after rethinking the proposal

The Basque government has reinstated semi-liberty for Juan Ramón Carasatorre, known as 'Zapata,' an ex-member of ETA, after the prison administration revised his release proposal in accordance with Article 100.2 of the penal code. Carasatorre was convicted in 1995 for the murder of PP councillor Gregorio Ordóñez and two others. The initial semi-liberty was revoked by the National Court due to procedural issues with the treatment program. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the proposal could be properly reformulated in the future. The Basque Justice Department, led by Socialist María Jesús San José, emphasized positive factors such as good behavior and participation in programs, leading to the renewed approval of semi-liberty. Carasatorre will now be able to leave prison during weekdays for work or volunteer activities. Additionally, the same legal provision was applied to another ETA member, Alberto López de la Calle, convicted for killing three civil guards.

The Basque government has reinstated partial liberty for Juan Ramón Carasatorre, known as “Zapata,” a former member of ETA, following a revised proposal that met legal requirements. The decision was made under Article 100.2 of the prison regulation, which allows for conditional release based on specific criteria. Carasatorre, who was convicted in 1995 for the murder of Gregorio Ordóñez, a Popular Party councilor in San Sebastián, along with two others, will be permitted to leave prison during weekdays for work or volunteer activities. The reversal came after the National Penitentiary Surveillance Court initially revoked Carasatorre’s conditional release. The court stated that the treatment program had been prepared by the center’s director rather than the relevant team within the penitentiary facility. This raised concerns over compliance with procedural standards. However, the National Court upheld this decision and allowed for the possibility of revising the proposal in the future. The ruling emphasized that the Ministry of Public Prosecution had given a favorable opinion regarding the principle of flexibility in applying the law. The Basque Justice Department, led by Socialist María Jesús San José, clarified that the court’s ruling highlighted several positive factors in Carasatorre’s case. These included his adherence to prison discipline, participation in rehabilitation programs, acknowledgment of the harm caused, and progress in his therapeutic process. The department noted that while the initial proposal did not meet all formal requirements, the court acknowledged that the administration could formulate a properly structured and documented request in future reviews. As a result, once the revised application was submitted, the Basque government approved the conditional release. Carasatorre will now have the opportunity to engage in daily life outside prison, subject to supervision. His release follows a broader trend of reconsideration of past convictions involving ETA members, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance justice with rehabilitation. In addition to Carasatorre, the government has also applied Article 100.2 to another ETA member, Alberto López de la Calle, known as “Mobutu.” Convicted for the killing of three civil guards during a cycling race in Salvatierra (Álava), López de la Calle is now eligible for similar conditional release terms. This parallel action underscores the government’s approach to re-evaluating cases involving individuals linked to the armed group, potentially paving the way for further releases. These decisions come amid continued discussions around the legacy of ETA, a separatist organization responsible for numerous attacks throughout the late 20th century. While the group officially dissolved in 2018, its historical impact remains a sensitive issue in Spanish politics. The current measures represent a step toward integrating former militants into society, though they remain controversial among victims’ families and political opponents. The focus remains on ensuring that such decisions align with both legal frameworks and societal expectations.

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2 reports

El Mundo logoEl MundoIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 785 days ago
The Basque government is granting semi-freedom to former ETA member Zapata after rethinking the proposal

The Basque government has reinstated semi-liberty for Juan Ramón Carasatorre, known as 'Zapata,' an ex-member of ETA, after the prison administration revised his release proposal in accordance with Article 100.2 of the penal code. Carasatorre was convicted in 1995 for the murder of PP councillor Gregorio Ordóñez and two others. The initial semi-liberty was revoked by the National Court due to procedural issues with the treatment program. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the proposal could be properly reformulated in the future. The Basque Justice Department, led by Socialist María Jesús San José, emphasized positive factors such as good behavior and participation in programs, leading to the renewed approval of semi-liberty. Carasatorre will now be able to leave prison during weekdays for work or volunteer activities. Additionally, the same legal provision was applied to another ETA member, Alberto López de la Calle, convicted for killing three civil guards.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the decision-making process and legal reasoning behind the reinstatement of semi-liberty for an ETA member, focusing on procedural compliance and judicial rulings rather than taking a clear ideological stance. While the subject involves politically sensitive figures and actions,

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the decision by the Basque government to grant semi-liberty to Juan Ramón Carasatorre, also known as 'Zapata,' based on the application of Article 100.2 of the prison regulation. It provides details about his conviction for the 1995 murder of Gregorio Ordóñez, a PP councilor,

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the facts in a neutral manner but uses terms like 'exmiembro de ETA' and references to legal processes, which may carry political implications. While it does not overtly take sides, the mention of political affiliations (e.g., PP) and the legal outcomes could be seen as subtly i

elDiario.es logoelDiario.esIndependentCenter5 hr. ago
The National Court recalls two third-degree ETA members Olarra Guridi and Celarain

The National Court in Spain has revoked the third-degree status granted to two members of ETA, Juan Antonio Olarra Guridi and Oskar Zelarain, citing premature progression and the need to assess the effects of the second-degree flexibility under Article 100.2 of the prison regulation. The Basque regional government had previously approved their release on parole, but the court ruled that it was too early to move them to third degree without first evaluating the impact of the second-degree measures. Olarra Guridi, convicted of multiple murders and terrorism, faces a life sentence until 2036, while Zelarain, who committed several killings including those of a councilor, a child, and an elderly man, has accumulated over 964 years of prison time. Both men have shown positive behavior and have taken steps toward rehabilitation, including accepting civil responsibilities and expressing remorse.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the court's decision, referencing both the legal process and the background of the individuals involved. It includes information from official sources such as court rulings and victim associations, without overtly favoring either side. The tone remains fact

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