A judge on Sunday began questioning 23 senior members of Batasuna _ the banned political wing of the armed separatist group ETA _ arrested in raids in the northern Basque region, REPORTED AP. They were arrested in Segura while illegally meeting Thursday, authorities said. Judge Baltasar Garzon, who ordered the raid, will determine after questioning whether to file charges against them, a court official said. Spanish radio reported that the detained are expected not to answer any questions by Garzon. On Saturday, thousands in the Basque country protested against the arrests. A senior member of Batasuna said Spain's government had effectively declared war by arresting most of its leadership. «This police operation uncovers the decision of the Spanish government, which is to issue a total declaration of war against Basque independence,» Pernando Barrena said at a news conference in San Sebastian.
