Four prisoners have died this year in the Zaballa macro-prison, another five died in 2019. Today, in the Faktoria program of the Basque Country Irratia, Denis Itxaso has been asked about these deaths, among other issues. Itxaso has considered that a single death is "exaggerated" and represents "a failure" in the "reintegrating" function that the Spanish Constitution grants to eta prisoners. “But from there,” he continued, “I would like to point out that approximately 30%-40% of prisoners suffer from mental illness and 70% have drug addictions.”

The speaker then asked him if this is not the reason why this data is rethought the system "from the root". Itxaso stressed that, first of all, Osakidetza is responsible for the health of CAV prisoners. He has also pointed out that the data are similar in Europe and has highlighted the work done to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Finally, he has applauded the "tremendous" work done by prison officials and doctors and has anticipated that the director of Zaballa will meet this week with Osakidetza officials in relation to the deaths.

The rights of political prisoners on a case-by-case basis

With regard to the Basque political prisoners who have approached in recent weeks, Itxaso has denied that these are "consensual" measures. He explained that decisions are made individually and has left in the hands of prisoners the change of degree or rapprochement, “if he shows real will and repentance for everything he has done, if he recognizes the damage caused and shows a purpose of real reintegration,” he said.