Spain has been forced to release nine more ETA prisoners including one involved in the Basque terrorists’ deadliest -ever attack and who was sentenced to over 1000 years in jail for his role in the deaths of 21 people.<br /><br />The releases were triggered by a European Court of Human Rights ruling that the prolonged detention of some ETA prisoners was illegal. This has already led to two members being freed; one of whom, Ines del Rio Prada, was sentenced to nearly 4000 years for 24 murders.<br /><br />The European Court ruling has angered many families of victims of ETA attacks. However some believe it is a price that must be paid for ongoing peace talks with ETA, which has around 600 members in jail around Spain.<br /><br />Negotiations between ETA and the government have stalled recently on the long-held desire of ETA to see its jailed members go to prisons nearer their families, something Madrid is refusing until the organisation gives up its weapons.
