News

Spanish police arrested on Tuesday ten senior members of the Basque outlawed political party Batasuna, including the party leader Arnaldo Otegi.

An Interior Ministry spokesman said an operation against Batasuna senior members was underway, but did not give details.

The ten Batasuna officials were arrested on the orders of High Court Judge Baltasar Garzon, including party leader Arnaldo Otegi, who has served jail sentences for crimes including praising terrorism. Other arrested people included Rufi Etxebarria and Rafa Diez.

Anti-terror Judge Baltasar Garzon ordered the detentions Tuesday because the party was trying to re-form and was operating under the instructions of the armed organization ETA.

Batasuna is one of several political parties banned under 2003 legislation outlawing those who do not condemn terrorism.

Batasuna used to garner some 8 percent of the vote in Basque elections.