Maixabel

Maixabel Lasa (born 1951) is a Spanish peace activist and the widow of Juan María Jáuregui Apalategui, a Socialist politician assassinated by ETA in 2000.

Following her husband's death, Maixabel Lasa became a prominent advocate for dialogue and reconciliation between victims of ETA terrorism and former members of the organization. She served as the director of the Victims Office of the Basque Government from 2002 to 2012, where she facilitated restorative justice initiatives and encounters between victims and perpetrators. These encuentros aimed to promote understanding, empathy, and healing on both sides.

Her commitment to dialogue and her willingness to engage with former ETA members have made her a significant figure in the Basque peace process. She has faced criticism from some quarters for her approach, but has also been widely praised for her courage and dedication to building a more peaceful future.

The 2021 Spanish film Maixabel, directed by Icíar Bollaín, tells the story of Maixabel Lasa's real-life meetings with two former ETA members who participated in her husband's assassination. The film explores the complex emotional landscape of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the enduring impact of political violence.