SPAIN: Two of Spain's top Michelin-starred chefs yesterday appeared before an examining magistrate to answer allegations of "collaborating with a terrorist organisation" by paying money to ETA.
Although they have not denied the accusations they were released after being questioned for almost an hour by Judge Fernando Andreu.
The two, Juan Mari Arzak, of the 3-star Arzak Restaurant and Pedro Subijana of the 2-star Akelare Restaurant, both in San Sebastian, were named by the suspected ETA terrorist, José Luis Beotegi, who was detained in France earlier this month.
Mr Beotegi claims that the chefs each paid €36,000 "revolutionary taxes" to ETA to protect their businesses.
Mr Beotegi also named two other leading chefs, Martin Beresetagui, owner of a restaurant near San Sebastian and Spain's most successful TV chef, Karlos Argiñano as recipients of demands for protection money. They have refused to confirm whether they received demands or whether they paid the terrorists. Judge Andreu is expected to question them next week.
It is illegal to give in to ETA's demands for protection money, but those who refuse have seen their businesses attacked or their families made targets for attacks or kidnapping. The courts have usually reacted leniently to those who have succumbed.