ETA’s former political leader jailed in Paris

17/12/10 23:03 CET

world news

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The former leader of the Basque terror group ETA’s political wing, and his partner, have been jailed for 20 years in Paris.

Mikel Albizu Iriarte, alias ‘Antza’ and Soledad Iparragirre Genetxea (‘Anboto’) were arrested in southwestern France in 2004 in an operation hailed at the time by Spain as ‘an historic blow’ against ETA. Police also discovered a huge cache of weapons and explosives, and France said they had ‘cut the head’ off the terrorist group.

As the verdicts were handed down, the defendants and their families chanted pro-ETA slogans in court while outside, ETA supporters tried to unfurl a banner at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral.

More about: Arrest, ETA, France

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