The youth organisation has accused the government of trying to "economically stifle Ernai and destroy him politically" at the massive Thursday morning appearance in Bilbao. They report that to the 133 members identified in the two initiatives to denounce the order of imprisonment of Aitor Zelaia and Galder Barbado in Bilbao and Vitoria, the government has sent fines of EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,500 to each of them under the Mordal Law. The total amount is EUR 290,500. It accuses the government of trying to "economically stifle Ernai and destroy politically". "This hasn't happened randomly, it's one more step in her permanent obsession with Ernai for years," they report. In addition to resorting to fines, they indicate that they will launch a collection campaign.
On 22 September 2023, in the process of denouncing the order of imprisonment of Aitor Zelaia and Galder Barbado, members of Ernai, chained and cut roads in Vitoria and Bilbao. In Vitoria, in the police station of the Ertzaintza and in Bilbao, in the building of the delegation of the Government of Spain. The Ertzaintza rebelled against the youth and arrested five people in Vitoria.
Fines have now been sent to the 133 members identified in these protests, totalling almost EUR 300,000. "It is a clear attack on Ernai," they point out in their appearance in Bilbao and denounce that the government's response is disproportionate. "This hasn't happened randomly, it's one more step in her permanent obsession with Ernai for years," they report.
They report that they are going to appeal against fines, so they are going to start a judicial process. "It has not been an easy decision, because a judicial process places a great burden on the organization's day-to-day life, but we are convinced that it is the best decision we can make in this unjust situation." They have made it valuable that the decision has been collective and thanked for the availability of the 133 people punished.
"They have used the Mozal law against us, the main repressive mechanism they have used since 2015 to stifle social movements. A tool that systematically uses any social and democratic protest. We have seen this against the feminist movement, labour conflicts, racist groups, etc. In short, this is another attempt to reduce the current and ongoing popular movement in this country," they criticized.
"Our project is uncomfortable for you. All this comes at a time when leftist independentism is gaining political and ideological hegemony, both in institutions, in the mobilization of the masses and in social movements. We have the capacity to bring about change to improve the lives of young people and draw the future of this country. We move forward, we are more and they fear," they stress.
A collection campaign has been launched to report a current account to collect contributions: ES14 3035 0108 01 1080050918. They ask those who want to help to do so with the concept of "Donation." They also report the opening of a draw of solidarity and crowdfunding.
"The situation is very serious, it is a huge setback in civil and political rights, which makes clear the undemocratic attitude of the Department of Security and which aims to overturn Ernai. But if you hear it clear, you're wrong. We are here, there are many of us and we will continue to work," they denounced. However, they point out that this issue only serves to reaffirm them in their work and multiplies them "and even their desire to move forward with greater strength and enthusiasm". "Because we are convinced that youth struggles, commitment and organization are fundamental to winning a Basque country without oppression. And that's where we're going to go. Because here is a people that wants to move forward, and we, the young independentists, will be the engine. That's why, by joining us, we're going to move forward."
