PP and Vox back law cutting ETA prisoners' sentences

PP and Vox back law cutting ETA prisoners' sentences

The Spanish Congress has passed a judicial reform that reduces prison sentences for approximately forty ETA prisoners, including the notorious leader known as Txapote. The legislation was approved with votes from the PSOE, EH Bildu, and reportedly also from the PP and Vox, who allegedly failed to detect the amendment. The reform prevents convicts from serving time in two countries for the same crime, effectively benefiting former ETA members who already served sentences in France.

How the reform works

The core principle is non bis in idem: no one can be tried twice for the same act. ETA prisoners who already served time in France for incivil association cannot be convicted again in Spain for belonging to a terrorist organization. This reform, driven by EH Bildu, eliminates this double conviction, thereby reducing sentences. As a result, around forty former terrorists, including Txapote, will see their penalties lowered.

PP and Vox's mistake

The vote has sparked outrage among parts of the right-wing electorate. A common criticism is that PP and Vox MPs, many of whom have law degrees, did not read the bill before voting on it. "They don't even read what they vote for," summarizes one frequent accusation. Others describe how the reform slipped through with sleight-of-hand tactics.

Yolanda Díaz's response

Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz stated that releasing these prisoners upholds "fundamental rights" supported by the "far-right." Her comments were met with disbelief by sectors viewing the reform as a concession to Bildu.

The debate on responsibility

Some argue that PP and Vox were misled, while others contend all parties were complicit. "If you believe PP and Vox were tricked, you're naive," notes one perspective. The discussion shifts toward the idea that Spanish politics is pure theater and inter-party differences are a farce.

Terrorism victims

The reform has peine wounds for terrorism victims. "You always reopen wounds instead of letting them heal," laments one voice. Others criticize parties for only invoking victims when politically convenient.

The law's future

The reform is now approved, and sentences will be reduced. There is no going back. The lingering question is whether PP and Vox will take steps to prevent recurrence or if, as some suspect, it will end with mere apologies.

---

What is the non bis in idem principle?

It is a legal principle preventing anyone from being tried or punished twice for the same act. In this case, former ETA members who served time in France for incivil association cannot be convicted in Spain for terrorist membership. The reform removes this double punishment.

Why did PP and Vox vote in favor?

According to reports, they either didn't read the law or missed the amendment. The reform was slipped in with deceptive agility. Some argue it was an error without practical consequences, as the law would have passed anyway with PSOE and EH Bildu votes.

What are the reform's consequences?

The reform cuts prison sentences for about forty ETA prisoners, including Txapote. Releases will occur sooner than expected. The law is final, with no possibility of reversal.