Eta case accused fights extradition

Jul 16 2012

A man alleged to be a high-profile member of the Basque separatist group Eta has opposed bids to extradite him to mainland Europe.

Benat Ordonez, 36, was arrested during a police raid in the Leith area of Edinburgh on Friday night and is wanted by the authorities in both France and Spain.

Ordonez, who has lived in the UK since 2001, was sentenced to five years in prison in his absence by a court in Paris in 2008.

The father of two, who denies he is a terrorist, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for an initial extradition hearing.

The court heard he is wanted under two extradition warrants, from France and Spain. The Spanish authorities are seeking his return to the country so that he can stand trial there.

His solicitor, Aamer Anwar, told Sheriff Alistair Noble that Ordonez "does not consent to the extradition proceedings and denies any wrongdoing in France or in Spain".

He added that, despite media speculation, Ordonez "is no threat to the Olympics" in London.

Sheriff Noble remanded the accused in custody, saying the alleged offences were "of very great seriousness".

A full hearing in the case will be held in Edinburgh next month.