FridayOL

A significant faction of former ETA members, numbering over 110, have vehemently condemned Ibon 'Kubati' Retana, the former leader of ETA, and six other Basque nationalist leaders for their agreement with the Spanish Prosecutor’s Office. The criticism centers around Retana and the others’ acceptance of responsibility for the 'ongi etorriak,' a series of events involving the surrender of ETA members and the dismantling of its structures.

The group, comprised of a dozen imprisoned individuals alongside former ETA militants, released a harsh statement accusing Retana of appropriating “the truth of the executioners.” They argue that by admitting culpability, Retana and his allies are effectively validating the actions of those who suffered at the hands of ETA, a move seen as deeply offensive to victims and their families.

The core of the dispute lies in the interpretation of the 'ongi etorriak' process. While some view it as a necessary step towards reconciliation and the end of violence, this group of former ETA members believes it represents a betrayal of the organization’s principles and a distortion of the historical narrative. They contend that accepting responsibility in this manner equates to acknowledging the legitimacy of the Spanish state’s prosecution and the suffering inflicted upon victims.

The statement highlights a deep division within the Basque nationalist community regarding the legacy of ETA and the appropriate way to address the past. While some advocate for a focus on the future and a commitment to non-violence, others remain steadfast in their defense of the organization's actions and its role in the pursuit of Basque independence. This public condemnation of Retana underscores the ongoing tensions and unresolved grievances surrounding ETA’s history.

“Kubati’s” decision to collaborate with the Fiscalía has ignited a firestorm of controversy, exposing the complex and often conflicting emotions surrounding ETA’s dissolution. The accusations of betrayal are particularly stinging, suggesting that Retana has abandoned the cause he once championed and aligned himself with those who historically opposed it. The statement from these ex-members serves as a stark reminder that the wounds of the past remain raw and that the path to reconciliation is fraught with challenges.

The legal implications of Retana and the other leaders' agreements with the Fiscalía remain to be seen. However, the political and emotional fallout is already evident, with this criticism adding another layer of complexity to an already sensitive situation. It underscores the need for a more nuanced and inclusive dialogue about ETA's legacy, one that acknowledges the suffering of all parties involved and seeks to build a future based on truth, justice, and reconciliation.