Spain orders capture of ETA member located after Caracas earthquake

Spain has ordered the international capture of former ETA member Luis María Olalde Quintela, alias 'Txistu', after he was located in Caracas following a devastating earthquake that killed his wife. Olalde, a fugitive since 1979, was rescued from a collapsed building in the San Bernardino neighborhood on June 25, leading to his identification Source: elnacionalve. His wife, Alazne Solabarrieta, died in the quake Source: elespanol.

Key developments

• On June 25, judge Francisco de Jorge rejected Olalde's lawyers' claims of statute of limitations, maintaining an active international arrest warrant Source: infobae.
• The victims' association Dignidad y Justicia filed a criminal complaint on July 1, accusing Olalde of participating in a 1978 attack that killed three Guardia Civil officers Source: elconfidencial.
• Judge Santiago Pedraz admitted the complaint on July 7, allowing Dignidad y Justicia to act as a popular prosecution Source: elnacionalve.

Legal process

The Audiencia Nacional has issued a resolution for "search, location, capture, and international detention for extradition purposes" Source: infobae. Olalde faces charges including two counts of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping with terrorist intent, robbery, and damages Source: elespanol. His defense had argued prescription, but the court rejected this, citing the severity of the crimes. The association warned of a "real risk of new concealment" if urgent action is not taken Source: elespanol.