• Batasuna is the alleged political arm of the militant Basque separatist group, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (more commonly known as ETA). Because of its supposed ties to ETA, it is officially banned in Spain. Basque is a region of Northern Spain that has operated autonomously since 1978.
    1. Also known as: Herri Batasuna, Euskal Herritarok
    2. Founded: April, 1978
    3. Banned in Spain in 2003
    4. ETA classified as a terrorist organization
    5. ETA has been responsible for over 800 deaths over 30 yearsBBC News: Who are ETA? (January 5, 2007)
    6. Batasuna denies being front for ETA, but does not denounce their violent actionsBBC News: Profile: Batasuna
    7. Leader Arnaldo Otegi and his successor Joseba Permach were both arrested in 2007
    8. Regional influence: About 15% of the vote in the Basque autonomous regionBBC News: Profile: Batasuna
    9. ETA was formed in the '50s to create an independent, socialist Basque
    10. Basque Nationalist Party is not illegal
    11. Basque region also covers parts of France

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