Overcrowding leaves Spain’s prisons on the brink
The country’s jail population has quadrupled in the last 30 years, despite a decline in crime. Unimaginative policy-making means the increase is likely to continue.
The country’s jail population has quadrupled in the last 30 years, despite a decline in crime. Unimaginative policy-making means the increase is likely to continue.
The Basque separatist group wants its conflict with the Spanish state to be an issue with international repercussions. But despite the efforts of a high-profile group of mediators, Spain’s political situation and ETA’s complex relationship with its political support make progress towards lasting peace extremely difficult.
Ongoing terrorism investigations suggest some extraordinary links between three very different terror groups. Recent allegations related to these connections have put the government of Prime Minister Zapatero in an uncomfortable spot as it tries to protect Spain’s investments in Venezuela.
The sixth anniversary of the 2004 Madrid bombings is a reminder of how a terrorist attack helped set the tone of Spanish politics. Moreover, the divisions it highlighted are just as visible today, as the country stubbornly refuses to face up to its recent past.
In the wake of the Christmas Day bombing attempt in the United States, body scanners are being touted as the latest solution to catch terrorists intent on bringing down planes. Spain, as the current EU term president, is weighing in on the security vs. privacy debate.
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