FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 94 - ENGLISH

63 TESTIMONY Are you concerned about the risk of what happened being forgotten or trivialised? Yes, it worries me, it saddens me and, at the same time, it spurs me on. As time goes by, there is a risk that what happened will be simplified or dilut- ed in accounts that do not reflect the gravity or the truth of what ETA’s ter- rorism was. That is why I believe it is essential to continue talking about it honestly and without taking a neutral stance. It would be irresponsible not to do so. What role should the younger generations play in passing on this history? A fundamental role. The younger generations have the right and the re- sponsibility to understand the back- ground and implications of half a cen- tury of nationalist terrorism in Spain. They must also understand why it is important to remember it. Engaging with history is a way of coming to terms with its legacy and striving to ensure that its darkest chapters are not consigned to the past, as a preven- tive measure and a basic expression of respect for those who gave their lives for our democracy and freedoms. If, in another 30 years’ time, someone were to ask you who Fernando Múgica was, what would you emphasise in your answer? I would say he was a free and cultured man, deeply committed to democratic values and justice. Someone who de- fended his ideas with courage at a very difficult time in our history, when it would have been easier—and safer— to give in to intimidation and remain silent. I would also say that he was a son, a brother, a father and a grandfa- ther; a hard-working and determined man, a lawyer, a social democrat and, above all, much loved and admired by those who were lucky enough to know him. I believe that remembering that human side of him is the fairest way to preserve his memory. “The younger generations have the right and the responsibility to understand the background and implications of half a century of nationalist terrorism in Spain”