The decision to grant partial freedom to former ETA member Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubina (Txeroki) has sparked widespread debate in Spain. For many Spaniards, this move not only signals a change in the approach to the rehabilitation of those convicted of terrorism, but also raises questions about the balance between justice and the chance for reintegration into normal life. Authorities emphasize that such decisions should be accompanied by strict monitoring and additional conditions.
According to El Espanol, the prosecution of the National Court has generally supported the Basque government’s decision to move Txeroki to a regime of partial freedom. However, prosecutor Carlos Garcia Berro insists on receiving more information about the work activities and volunteer initiatives that the former ETA member intends to carry out outside prison. It is essential to determine whether these activities truly contribute to his integration into society and do not pose security risks.
Prosecutor’s requirements
Special attention is being given to ensuring that Txeroki officially apologizes not only to Spanish, but also to French victims of terrorist acts. This is due to the fact that some of the crimes were committed in France, and the years spent in French prisons were counted towards his sentence under the new law. As a result, his prison term was shortened and his release became possible sooner than initially expected.
The Prosecutor’s Office notes that, as part of the prison program, Txeroki has already participated in special sessions where he met with victims and their relatives. According to investigators, these interactions should serve as the foundation for further efforts to rebuild trust and provide emotional rehabilitation for the victims. Authorities insist that the former terrorist must support the victims’ recovery process not only formally, but through real actions.
Supervision and conditions
The issue of Txeroki’s actual employment and volunteer work remains unresolved. The Prosecutor’s Office demands detailed information about where and in what capacity he will work or contribute to society. This is necessary to assess the effectiveness of reintegration measures and to prevent possible abuses. Authorities emphasize that any leniency must be accompanied by transparency and constant monitoring.
Such decisions are always controversial in Spain. Some believe that rehabilitation is only possible after full admission of guilt and genuine remorse. Others fear that early release may lead to new conflicts or even a recurrence of crimes. In this context, it is important to recall recent court cases in which the Prosecutor’s Office demanded the cancellation of significant court costs, which also provoked a strong public reaction. You can read more about this in the article on the compensation dispute and the Prosecutor’s Office’s stance.
Latest trends
According to Ale Espanol, the decision to grant partial freedom to Txeroki became possible after the enactment of a new law allowing time served in foreign prisons to be taken into account. This is not the first time that such legislative changes have affected the fate of those convicted of terrorism. In recent years, Spain has been increasingly debating how to balance the rights of victims with opportunities for the rehabilitation of former offenders.
Reflecting on recent events, it is worth noting that similar decisions have also been made in other cases involving members of terrorist organizations. In each instance, authorities demand strict compliance with conditions and transparency. The public is closely monitoring how these measures are implemented and whether they meet expectations for security and justice.
In recent years, Spain has seen several high-profile cases where individuals convicted of terrorism received reduced sentences or early release. Each of these cases sparked public debate and demands for authorities to ensure transparency and oversight. In 2025, there was discussion about revising release conditions for certain inmates, prompting a wave of protests from victims’ families. In 2024, the country also widely debated legal changes that made it possible to count time served in foreign prisons towards an inmate’s total sentence. These trends highlight that rehabilitation and justice remain some of the most pressing issues within Spanish society.
