SAVE Spain
SAVE Spain – Justice and not Revenge
Spain has been battling the terrorist group ETA (Basque Fatherland and Liberty) since the 1960s, but the international focus on terrorism in Spain has shifted primarily to acts perpetrated by Islamist groups since the March 11, 2004 train bombings. During those attacks, 10 bombs detonated almost simultaneously in a train station and aboard several trains, killing 191 and injuring over 2,000 people. The ETA remains a threat, however, and both Islamist groups as well as the ETA have unsuccessfully attempted to carry out a number of small attacks in recent years.
In response to the 11-M bombings, relatives and victims of the bombings formed Associación March 11th – Affected by Terrorism which seeks knowledge and the truth about the attacks, and fights for justice, peace and remembrance.
Beatriz Abril Alegre, our SAVE activist in Spain lost her younger brother Òscar in the attacks:
My brother, Óscar, was murdered on the 11th of March, 2004 as he was in the train on his way to the university. He was 19 years old. Óscar studied Sport Sciences and was a boy full of energy, a loyal friend and very loving with his family. He did not like politics however he was in favour of peace and tolerance, values that our parents have always instilled.
Women without Borders works with courageous women such as Beatriz to promote intercultural bridgebuilding to ensure that minority communities in Spain (whether religious, political, or ethnic) are not further alienated and express their frustration through acts of violent extremism. It is critical that women learn that they can actively contribute to the prevention of extremist activities by providing their children and husbands with tangible alternatives to a life of violence and hatred.
In Memoriam March 11