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INPRIMATU
"We want justice, release the detainees", the silent cry of thousands of people Altsasu
  • Thousands of people have demanded justice and the freedom of the seven young people detained in Altsasu. It was a silent demonstration in which people from all over the Basque Country came together. The organizers say they have counted about 20,000 people. They request that the investigation be transferred from the Spanish National Court to the Pamplona Court. The delegation of the Government of Navarre made the same request at the beginning of the demonstration.
Lander Arbelaitz Mitxelena @larbelaitz 2016ko azaroaren 26a
Manifestazio amaierako hitzartzean plaza bete da. (Argazkia: L.A.)

"With the manifestation of the Altsasu Header we wanted to proclaim the identity of the people, the working people, the most industrialized in the area. Many people from different backgrounds in history have come to Altsasu. We stand for coexistence and peace, proof of today's demonstration," they said at the end of the demonstration. "We have never seen the people so united and hurt."

The events of the 15th of October should never have happened, but it has been reported that things have been terribly exaggerated afterwards. "They are accused of a terrorist act and those of us who have gathered here are calling for the first release of these imprisoned Altsasuans."

The agreement was used to bring the matter of the facts to the Tribunal of Navarre, "where the investigation began and should never have left".

They say they don’t accept a lot of things that have been said about the people in many media.The mayor, Javier Ollo, in his statements to the media at the beginning of the demonstration, has also expressed the same.

"Altsasu is a cheerful village, a friendly village, proud of its identity, an open village. We want to highlight the solidarity of the Altsasu. We are concerned but we are working together, each with its own ideology but for these young people and for all the people", they read at the end.

The peaceful nature of the rally has been highlighted. "Our people have been associated with hatred, terror and fear, and we want to tell them that no, the feelings of our people are solidarity, support and love."

The demonstration ended with a demand for the freedom of the detainees, who were given a special round of applause at the time when the names of the seven young detainees were announced.

During the demonstration almost all the shops in the town have been closed, in accordance with the proclamation. The organizers point out that all the local collectives have joined the demonstration. This is reflected in the banners prepared by the collectives during the demonstration.