Spanish court rules against Sortu

 

Spain's supreme court last night passed judgement to deny legal status to the newly-formed Basque political party, Sortu. Official confirmation of this is expected to be released later today.

The Spanish government asked the court to rule against legitimizing the party, claiming that it still had links with the armed Basque separatist group, ETA. The decision of the court now means that Sortu will not be allowed to take part in Spain's regional elections in May.

Spain regards Sortu as the successor to the outlawed political party, Batasuna, who were also barred from elections due to their refusal to condemn ETA, who is viewed by Spain and the wider EU as a terrorist group.