Basque terrorist appears at extradition hearing

A convicted Basque terrorist wanted by the Spanish authorities went to a Belfast court today to surrender himself for extradition.

ETA member Inaki de Juana Chaos is wanted on suspicion of praising or supporting terrorism in a letter that was read out in his name at a rally in Spain. In the text he allegedly called on Basque separatists to continue the armed struggle.

The 53-year-old is believed to have been living in West Belfast since his release from prison in Spain. The Spanish authorities issued a European Arrest Warrant to the Police Service of Northern Ireland last Thursday.

Police later confirmed the Spaniard had been formally arrested under the extradition warrant and was being held at Musgrave police station in Belfast.

The warrant alleged he had committed terrorist offences in Spain, said a spokesman.

He is due to appear in court later.

The terrorist was released from prison in 2004 after serving 18 years for his involvement in a bombing campaign in Spain that claimed 25 lives during the 1980s.

He was re-arrested soon afterwards for allegedly making threats and served a further three years behind bars.

Chaos was accompanied by Belfast lawyer Kevin Winters when he arrived at court for the hearing.