ETA – Slugger O'Toole

de Juana Chaos loses extradition appeal [in absentia]

Pete Baker on May 3, 2012, 9:01 pm

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Despite their client jumping bail in March 2010, and disappearing into the ether, lawyers acting on behalf of the convicted ETA killer, Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, continued “with instructions” in the appeal against his extradition to Spain to face a charge of glorifying terrorism. Two years later, and Belfast High Court has dismissed that appeal. [Where are they sending the bill? – Ed] Good question. From the BBC report Judges ruled that while the European Arrest Warrant was “unquestionably imperfect”, it was …

“It is highly unlikely that channel will get any airing in San Sebastián this week.”

Pete Baker on October 19, 2011, 6:41 pm

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As of yet, there’s been no response from Basque terrorist group ETA to the declaration by the great and the good Former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, former Norwegian Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Bruntland, Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Former French Minister, Pierre Joxe, International Representative for west Belfast Louth, Gerry Adams, TD, and… ermm… his sometime speech-writer, Tony Blair’s former Chief of Staff, Jonathan Powell. That’s despite it being what the BBC described as a “carefully choreographed” event. Not that I’d expect …

“The prize of going down in history as the government that brought about the end of Eta must be tempting”

Pete Baker on January 18, 2011, 1:58 pm

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The Irish Times‘ Paddy Woodworth reports on the latest developments following ETA’s declaration of a “permanent, general, and internationally verifiable” ceasefire. From the Irish Times report A document leaked to the Spanish newspaper El País at the weekend appears to confirm that Eta is still locked into the dogma that “armed struggle” will remain an essential element in the pursuit of Basque independence. According to the paper, a resolution passed by the group, following an internal debate after its initial ceasefire declaration …

Spanish government rejects ETA “permanent” ceasefire” – update

Brian Walker on January 10, 2011, 11:58 am

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The Basque comrades of today look sleeker but still faintly ridculous and much the same as the boyos of yesteryear at home. The story has broken of a permanent ETA ceasefire. As CS Lewis said of Christianity: if false, it is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” What part did Sinn Fein play? I’m sure we will soon hear the claims. 　Adds. But successive Spanish governments have always made different …

“it is not the first time Spain has been here”

Pete Baker on September 6, 2010, 9:29 pm

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The International Representative for west Belfast has been offering his unsolicited advice to the Spanish government on how they should respond to the latest statement by ETA. And an Irish Times report adds According to a Sinn Féin spokesman yesterday, Mr Adams and other senior party figures have been involved in long-running contacts with senior Basque separatist representatives in the past year or more for the purpose of helping end the conflict. He said that significant talks took place at …

ETA suspect refused bail

Pete Baker on June 28, 2010, 7:39 pm

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The BBC reports today’s court appearance of suspected ETA terrorist Fermin Vila Michelena, who was arrested in Belfast on Thursday. According to his barrister, Michelena has been living in Belfast under an assumed name since 2007. From the BBC report The barrister accepted his client, who lived alone at a flat in north Belfast, was using an assumed name. But he claimed this was to avoid detection from the Spanish authorities and persecution for his beliefs. “He has long admired the ongoing …

Suspected ETA terrorist arrested in Belfast

Pete Baker on June 25, 2010, 11:49 am

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RTÉ reports that the Spanish interior ministry has identified a 40-year-old man arrested in Belfast on Thursday, under terrorism legislation in a joint operation between the PSNI and Spanish police, as Fermin Vila Michelena. From the BBC report Michelena is a suspected member of the armed Basque separatist group ETA and wanted in Spain for a number of attacks. The Spanish interior ministry said he was the subject of three arrest warrants. The ministry said he was part of ETA’s Madrid cell …

de Juana Chaos extradition appeal to continue in his absence

Pete Baker on May 14, 2010, 4:08 pm

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Despite having had no contact with their client since he jumped bail in March this year, lawyers acting on behalf of the convicted ETA killer, Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, are “continuing with instructions” in the appeal against his extradition to Spain. Which is nice… But have they checked his Dublin address yet? Pete Baker

de Juana Chaos jumps bail

Pete Baker on April 29, 2010, 2:45 pm

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The BBC reports that convicted ETA killer, Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, has jumped bail and may have left Northern Ireland. He had been contesting the Spanish authorities’ attempt to extradite him on a charge of glorifying terrorism. From the BBC report De Juana Chaos, who had been living in west Belfast, was out on bail ahead of an appeal against his extradition. On Thurdsay, High Court judges were told he has not reported to police in Belfast or been …