The Audiencia Nacional has dismissed charges against former ETA leader Soledad Iparraguirre, known as Anboto, for the 1997 kidnapping and murder of Miguel Ángel Blanco, a PP councilor.

The court ruled that the statute of limitations had expired, as nearly 25 years had passed since the crime, exceeding the 20-year limit.

This decision, supported by the prosecution, sets a precedent for similar cases against other former ETA leaders.

The ruling emphasizes adherence to legal principles, rejecting retroactive application of laws.

While some victims' groups and political parties opposed the dismissal, the court maintained that extending the statute of limitations retroactively would violate legal norms.