Basques form 75-mile human chain calling for independence vote
- 10 years ago
A human chain 123 kilometers long (or 75 miles) in the northern Spanish region of Basque.
Tens of thousands of people held hands Sunday protesting for the right to vote on independence from Spain.
The demonstration was organized by a group called "It's in our Hands".
It estimates that 100,000 people took part.
The Basque Country - with its own language and culture - has traditionally sought greater self-rule from Spain.
Violent separatist group ETA declared an end to its armed struggle in 2011, amid dwindling public support.
But a democratic independence movement has gained force in recent months, triggered in part by a long economic crisis and political corruption.
Tens of thousands of people held hands Sunday protesting for the right to vote on independence from Spain.
The demonstration was organized by a group called "It's in our Hands".
It estimates that 100,000 people took part.
The Basque Country - with its own language and culture - has traditionally sought greater self-rule from Spain.
Violent separatist group ETA declared an end to its armed struggle in 2011, amid dwindling public support.
But a democratic independence movement has gained force in recent months, triggered in part by a long economic crisis and political corruption.