France/Spain

Police question alleged top Eta suspects

Article published on the 2008-07-26 Latest update 2008-07-26 15:02 TU

Asier Eceiza Ayerra from the wanted poster displayed in French police stations
( Photo: AFP )

Police in the central French city of Dijon are questioning a man they believe to be Asier Ecierza Ayerra, an alleged senior member of the military wing of the Basque separatist group, Eta, along with a woman they think is Olga Comes another Eta fighter. The two were arrested yesterday after a traffic accident involving the stolen vehicle they were driving.

French Interior Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie confirmed the arrrests on Friday and described Ayerra as a senior member of Eta's armed wing.

Spain's RNE radio station said that he is believed to be the deputy of Txekori, the head of Eta's military command. Police believe that he is one of a younger generation that has moved into the organisation's leadership after riots against Spanish control of the Basque country several years ago.

Ayerra is one of six suspects featured on wanted posters distributed at the beginning of the year. He has been on the run since 2002 and Spanish police claim he planned attacks on hotels in southern Spain which left 13 people injured in 2003.

Comes is accused of being a member of the Biscaye commando, which was recently broken up in Spain. Two weapons caches are reported to have been found this week.

The two were arrested after a hit-and-run accident involving the stolen car they were travelling in.

Eta has carried on a 40-year campaign for a Basque homeland made up of parts of northern Spain and south-western France.