The 24th edition of Korrika, a popular race in defense of the Basque language, concluded on Sunday in Bilbao after covering 2,750 kilometers. Thousands heard the secret message: «We are Basque» and «Let's go forward. Are you coming?». Lehendakari Imanol Pradales participated by covering ETA prisoners' images with ikurriñas on live TV.
Korrika finished on Sunday around 13:00 in front of Bilbao City Hall, after starting on March 19 in Atharratze in French Basque Country. It covered Euskadi, Navarre, and French Basque Country, with 3,436 batons passed hand to hand.
Lehendakari Imanol Pradales carried the baton around 9:30 on Autonomía street in Indautxu. «It's a beautiful day for claiming our language», he said, to «send a message to the world that as a Basque people we bet on our own language». His team, with Vicelehendakari Ibone Bengoetxea and PNV's Andoni Busquet, covered ETA prisoners' posters with large ikurriñas, including Orkatz Gallastegi, sentenced to 26 years for facilitating the 2002 murder of magistrate José María Lidón, according to elDiario.es.
The Basque Government called these images «hurtful», per Bengoetxea, who announced a meeting with organizer AEK. Victims' groups like Fundación Fernando Buesa and Covite denounced them: «ETA legitimization remains present in our streets», stated the Foundation. AEK's Ane Elordi avoided comments, noting rules were not followed.
Seven youths from Basque territories revealed the message, stressing Basque forms «a heterogeneous, committed, vigorous body». The race faced other controversies, like AEK's veto of CCOO over challenges to job exam Basque requirements.
