Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
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Blessed are the peacemakers
BOB NEWLAND welcomes the acquittal of Eta-member-turned-peace-negotiator Josu Urrutikoetxea, who was facing terrorism charges in a French court despite a supposed guarantee of immunity
Peace negotiator Josu Urrutikoetxea
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IN A landmark case for the Basque independence movement, Josu Urrutikoetxea, Basque activist and peace negotiator, was acquitted of all charges following his trial at the 16th Anti-Terrorist Correctional Chamber in Paris.
Urrutikoetxea’s prosecution for “criminal association with a terrorist aim” arose from his role as a peace negotiator during talks between Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (Eta) and the Spanish government.
These ended one of the bloodiest conflicts in 20th-century Europe and led to Eta’s voluntary dissolution. It is the first time that charges against a Basque militant have been dismissed.
This outcome was not simply a personal victory for Urrutikoetxea, welcome though that is. It emphasises the importance of peace negotiators in bringing about the end to conflict and for them to be granted and retain immunity for their work.
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