Suspected Basque separatists charged in France

A French anti-terrorist judge has filed preliminary charges against three suspected members of the armed Basque group ETA, including the organisation’s suspected logistics chief, judicial officials said.

Iker Iparraguirre Galarraga, Galder Bihotz Cornago Arnaez and Juan Cruz Maiza Artola – identified last week by Spain’s Interior Ministry as Eta’s logistics chief – face preliminary charges of “criminal conspiracy in relation with a terrorist enterprise,” “stealing and receiving in an organised group,” “holding false administrative documents,” “using forgeries” and “holding explosives and making explosive devices,” the officials said.

The three were placed in provisional detention.

Under French law, preliminary charges mean that the investigating magistrates have determined that there is strong evidence to suggest involvement in a crime. It gives the magistrates time to pursue their probe before they decide whether to send the suspects for trial or drop the case.

French police detained the suspects on Thursday in the southern city of Rodez. During a search of their house, police found detonators and electric components.

The detention of the three brought to 22 the number of Eta suspects arrested since June 5, a statement by the Spanish Interior Ministry said.

ETA, an acronym for Basque Homeland and Freedom in the Basque language, has been waging a violent campaign since the late 1960s for an independent state.

Although mainly active in Spain, the group is also present in the Basque region of southern France.