The protest, led by politicians and members of the victim's local trade union, wound its way slowly and in virtual silence through San Sebastian. Peace and Freedom. State television estimated the crowd at between 15-20,000. At least another 130 silent gatherings were held outside town halls across the Basque country and elsewhere in Spain. The ritual has become Spain's sombre routine reaction to each ETA killing.
Officials say they see no end to the bloodshed in the short term.
Last year was ETA's bloodiest since 1992 in its campaign for an independent Basque state straddling northern Spain and southwestern France. ETA has killed about 800 people since 1968. Political groups close to ETA usually win about 15 percent of the Basque vote. The group often targets politicians as well as members of the security forces and judiciary. ETA usually waits weeks or months before claiming responsibility for its attacks.