Despite stressing that “Euskadi is one of the safest places in the world”, the Minister of Security admits that “new forms of crime” are gaining momentum in Basque society. “Cybercrime, people carrying knives and crimes related to sexual violence”, he said.
In his first interview after taking up the position of security adviser to the Basque government, Bing Zupiria has, after stating that “Euskadi is one of the safest places in the world”, acknowledged that the security problem has grown in Basque society in recent times. Facing this situation should be the priority of the Ertzaintza, he said.
Amid a whirlwind of festivals in towns and cities, it is therefore necessary to strengthen coordination between local municipal police and the Ertzaintza to deal with “new types of crime” that are increasingly “gaining strength”.
The confidant speaks of three types of crimes: cybercrime, crimes committed with the use of knives and crimes related to sexual violence against women. “We are not used to them, but they are there,” he added. In this sense, he assures that the Ertzaintza must adapt to tackle this type of crime.
Asked about the release of the Basque journalist of Russian origin, Pablo González, he explained that he had learned of the release through the media. As he said, “as in the past two years” the Basque government “will not pass judgment on the causes of his arrest.” “We have always done what was in our power to clarify Pablo’s situation. What is surprising is that someone has been imprisoned for two years in an EU country without charges or trials. That is what happened in the heart of Europe,” he added.
Finally, he also referred to the criticism of the supposed “non-supportive” nature of the Basque Economic Agreement, which, following the agreement between the PSOE and the ERC, has resurfaced in recent days from various political and institutional circles. Zupiria stated that, despite this reaction, he does not believe that the Euskadi Economic Agreement is “in danger” and recalled that this norm is recognised in the Gernika Statute, in the Spanish Constitution and in the European institutions.
Source: EITB
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
