Why are ETA terrorists being released from prison in Spain?

WTF, Spain?

In the last few weeks there has been quite an uproar here in Spain as known, condemned ETA terrorists have won a legal battle and are being released from prison. Let's not mince words here, these people are responsible for murder and mayhem that plagued the country in the 1980's. They committed crimes, were caught, went to trial, were found guilty and have been in prison since. 

Seems like a normal reaction to being found responsible for 24 deaths in one case, that of Ines del Rio who was released today after being condemned for her participation in various crimes including a car bomb meant to destroy a passing bus full of members of the Spanish Civil Guard. In reality that explosion killed Eugene Kenneth Brown, an American who was not the main target. This woman was in jail for a total of 26 years, that is 13 months for each person she murdered.

In Spain the maximum amount of time you can spend in jail is 30 years, regardless of your crimes. So even if you are responsible for killing 24 people, you basically are only going to be in jail one year for each life you took. THAT SUCKS! In my opinion it is a terrible law. It is not real justice.

Sneaky, sneaky Spain

So what happened? As these terrorists were going through the legal system in the 80's and 90's, Spain decided to attempt to bypass this 30 year limit or at least keep these murderers and rapists in prision for as long as possible. To make a long story short (and simple), a group of judges created a doctrine which would allow for consecutive prison terms beginning with the longest and so on in order to extend the amount of time the criminals would be in jail. This was called the Parot Doctrine and it has recently been found to be illegal and against the human rights of the terrorists (this decision by a European tribunal). Because it is really important to respect their rights at this point. Like they did when they were blowing up buses.

So now, with no Parot Doctrine there are plenty of scary folks who might be back on the streets. This is something that blows my mind. Seriously WTF? I am not the only person who is outraged. The general feeling here in Spain is one of shock and pain. People can't understand how the legal system has failed them. Victims and their families are demanding justice. AGAIN.

I have mentioned before how I don't understand why there is no life imprisonment here in Spain (read about it here). How can 30 years be it? If you kill 24 people, you deserve to rot in jail for the rest of your life. It is sad to see the images of these criminals walking out of prison. I can't imagine what it must feel like to be a victim or their family. The whole situation is tragic. My suggestion: change the 30 year prison limit.

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