- The Elea-Libre movement reports that they have managed to pay the penalty for their participation in the Loyola Popular Wall. Esteban Orbegozo Azpeitia and Beñat Hach Embarek Oraspeguia were fined 23,663 euros and have obtained the money to pay through initiatives carried out from town to town.
On September 22, 2014, several people built a popular wall on the steps of the Basilica of Loyola. The purpose of the initiative was to show support for Jazint Ramirez, Irati Tobar, Igarri Robles, Xabier Arina and Imanol Salinas, who were indicted in summary 1/12 for being members of Segi. Nonviolent civil disobedience was used for this purpose.
But as the popular wall was being dismantled, a gunman fell to the ground and was taken to the hospital. As a result of this incident, Orbegozo and Hach Embarek were charged with “an attack on authority”, imposing the aforementioned fine.
Since then, many initiatives have been organized to reverse this economic sanction. In a statement sent to the press to inform them that they have managed to pay, the members of the Eleak-Libre movement emphasize that they have responded “with solidarity and commitment” to the “punishment of disobedience”.
In addition, they highlight that through these initiatives they have managed to spread the “support for civil and political rights in different corners of the Basque Country”: “We have proved once again that we have the capacity to respond to this type of repressive attacks, thanks to initiatives organized by different citizens.”
The dynamics of support for Orbegozo and Hach Embarek will culminate with an event on July 27. It will take place at 22:30 in the Plaza de la Berdura, where the Eleak-Libre movement invites the population to participate.