New Basque independence party denied legal status

In Spain the new political party formed to succeed Batasuna, the banned political wing of the Basque separatists ETA, has been denied legal status by the Supreme Court.

Sortu – which means “born” in the Basque language – insists it has no links with ETA.

But the government in Madrid rejected the armed group’s ceasefire announced in January, insisting it must disarm permanently and disband before a political wing can be accepted.

Sortu, launched last month, had wanted to field candidates at local elections in May.

But the Supreme Court has decided not to include it on the list of legal political parties. The full reasons will be given in the coming days. Sortu can appeal.

Copyright © 2013 euronews