Mikel Albizu Iriarte
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Mikel Albizu Iriarte, also known as Mikel Antza, is accused of being the political leader of the Basque separatist group ETA.
[edit] Biography
Mikel Antza was arrested on 3 October 2004 by the French police in Salies de Bearn near Pau during an operation against ETA's logistical apparatus, making 21 arrests. He was captured with his partner Maria Soledad Iparraguirre , suspected of being one of ETA's most important members and highest ranking woman, and their young son. They found four zulos (caches) with a vast quantity of armaments, much greater than had been estimated to be at ETA's disposal; they also managed to turn up information about ETA's printing of an internal newsletter, but nothing leading to any major bank account or other horde of money. [1].
The operation was considered one of the most successful since Bidart in 1992. As of October 2004, it appears that these measures will result in ETA leadership moving into different hands; it is too soon to evaluate the consequences.
