Suspected ETA Sympathizer Bailed In Belfast Court

An ex member of a youth group supposedly linked to Spanish terrorist organisation, ETA, is to fight extradition from Northern Ireland.

The National Court of Spain had demanded the return of Arturo Villanueva Arteaga, 32.

He was arrested early this morning in west Belfast by the PSNI. He is wanted by the Spanish justice system for having allegedly escaped a prior judgment in relation to his association with a youth organisation of the Basque radical group in 2005.

The authorities want to question him about allegations of terrorism crimes committed in Spain.

Villanueva was released on bail this afternoon, lodging a £5,000 cash surety, but will have to come back to the Laganside Court (pictured above) in 21 days, when a decision will be made.

He has been ordered to stay at an address on Nansen Street in Belfast.

Belfast Recorder's court has been told that he has been living in Northern Ireland for up to four years, and had established a tourism business.

However, a representative of the Spanish authorities doubts about the business venture.

"Records available to police shows this man has claimed state benefit. They are not aware of any business being conducted by him," he said.

The case follows that of Inaki de Juana Chaos, a convicted Eta killer also wanted by the Spanish authorities for allegedly justifying terrorism.

He was sentenced to 3,000 years in prison in Spain for 25 murders in the 1980s.

However, he was released early in August 2008 and later moved to Ireland from where his return is also being sought.

Proceedings against him continue and he is to face an extradition hearing in Belfast in May.

See: ETA Member To Fight Extradition

(AC/BMcC)