⚖️📰 Prosecutor blocks ETA member Goñi's semi-liberty status amid victim concerns

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The Prosecutor's Office has appealed the Basque Government's decision to grant ETA member Asier Arzalluz Goñi third-degree status, which allows for semi-liberty. The appeal argues that the decision is premature and lacks sufficient evidence of rehabilitation. Victims' associations have condemned the move, claiming it undermines their rights and constitutes a covert amnesty. Goñi, convicted of multiple murders, is set to complete his sentence in 2030. The case will now be reviewed by the Penitentiary Surveillance Judge.

Key points

• The Prosecutor's Office has appealed the Basque Government's decision to grant third-degree status to ETA member Asier Arzalluz Goñi.
• Victims' associations criticize the prosecutor's support for reducing distance restrictions from victims.
• The appeal highlights legal concerns regarding the timing and appropriateness of Goñi's semi-liberty status.
• Goñi, convicted of multiple murders, is set to complete his sentence in 2030.

Links

• ABC: El fiscal apoya al etarra Goñi para reducir de 50 kilómetros a 50 metros la distancia de sus víctimas
• ABC: Las víctimas de ETA cargan contra la Fiscalía por el alejamiento de Goñi: «Descaradamente se pone del lado de los asesinos»
• El Mundo: La Fiscalía frena el tercer grado del Gobierno vasco al etarra Asier Arzalluz Goñi, condenado por asesinar al periodista López de Lacalle
• El País: La Fiscalía se opone al tercer grado concedido por el Gobierno vasco al etarra Asier Arzalluz Goñi

Facts

• Asier Arzalluz Goñi was convicted for the murder of journalist José Luis López de Lacalle and other serious offenses.
• The Basque Government granted Goñi third-degree status on February 10, 2026.
• The Prosecutor's Office argues that Goñi’s progression to semi-liberty is premature and lacks sufficient evidence of rehabilitation.
• Victims' associations have criticized the decision, calling it a covert amnesty.

Quotes

• The appeal recognises favourable elements, such as a request for forgiveness to the victims, but these are not sufficient to offset the other circumstances — Prosecutor's Office filing.
• He must know the basic details — Carlos García-Berro, Prosecutor.

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