French Basque activist released from prison

French Basque activist, Aurore Martin was released on bail on Saturday after being held in a Spanish prison since the beginning of November.

Gaizga Iroz / AFP

Martin was arrested in Mauléon in the French Pyrénées accused of taking part in meetings of Basque nationalist movement, Batasuna, which is legal in France but not in Spain.

Martin was also accused of being a member of Basque separatist group ETA between 2006 and 2008 and providing logistical support to the terrorist organisation by helping to raise funds.

The 33 year-old was freed from the Soto del Real prison near Madrid after a Spanish court decided to release her with bail set at 15,000 euros.

ETA has seen a series of arrests in recent months after announcing a year ago that it would end all violence in its 40-year fight to establish an independent Basque nation in northern Spain and south-western France.

The group is listed by the United States and the European Union as a terrorist organisation and has been held responsible for the deaths of 829 people through bombings and other attacks.