Spain’s Interior Ministry says police have arrested nine people suspected of leading a group considered a part of the violent Basque separatist organization ETA.
Tuesday’s pre—dawn raids marked the first ETA—related arrests since the group announced a new cease—fire on September 5. The government responded to that with scepticism and said it would not ease up one bit on ETA or people close to it.
A ministry statement says the new arrests dismantled the core leadership of a Basque civic organization called Ekin. Spain’s National Court ruled in 2007 that Ekin is in effect part of ETA, and declared Ekin to be illegal.
A ministry official speaking on condition of anonymity in line with ministry rules said the detainees are accused of offenses including trying to resurrect Ekin.
