Attempts to extradite José Ignacio de Juana Chaos from Northern Ireland are slowly becoming more realistic. He is wanted by the Spanish government for exhorting terrorism in the name of ETA. Chaos was originally jailed for the involvement in 25 murders during the 1980’s.
It hasn’t taken long for Chaos to make his way back in to European headlines after being released from jail last August. According to a BBC article, the ETA member will be charged for his words rather than his actions this time. Messages by Chaos were read out loud at a rally last August in San Sebastian saying, “aurrrea bolie” or kick the ball forward, could be the reason for his jailing. His lawyers were told that Chaos would be sent back to Spain unless they can do something to overcome a legal bar to have the extradition delayed. His lawyers are also fighting these charges by claiming the law is not the same in the UK under the Terrorism Act.
Judge Tom Brugess had this to say, “Taking into account the matters and decisions on the meanings that may be attributed to terms in the letter, the context of the meeting and the context of the Eta campaign, I have decided that given the meanings attributed to the statements such words could properly fall to be considered as an offence under Section 1 of the 2006 Act.” He then added, “Therefore the alleged offence is an extraditable offence for the purposes of the 2003 Act.”
An attempt for Chaos’ lawyers to stop the extradition will take place in May during a two day hearing. If convicted Chaos could face a a two-year jail sentence for his words supporting the fight for secession from Spain and the terrorist attacks that come with it.
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