Basque accused of slandering Aznar

Basque accused of slandering Aznar

Aznar is himself the subject of legal action

Prosecutors in Spain have filed a complaint against a politician who called Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar a "terrorist" for supporting the war against Iraq.

Javier Madrazo, the Basque regional leader of the communist-led United Left coalition, stands accused of slander after using the expression to describe the Spanish leader at a rally earlier this month.

Critics say the case could have serious consequences for freedom of speech if the Basque Supreme Court decides that the motion warrants formal investigation.

This process could take months, correspondents say.

Legal proceedings

Mr Madrazo tapped into widespread anti-war sentiment when he told a crowd on 5 April: "Aznar is a terrorist like those of Eta" - referring to the armed Basque separatist group.

"He who kills in the Basque region is as much a terrorist as he who supports a terrorist war in Iraq, which is annihilating an innocent civilian population."

Mr Aznar came out firmly in support of US President George Bush's tough stance on Iraq, meeting hostility from many of his people.

Surveys conducted at the start of the war showed as many as 90% of the population were against it.

Mr Aznar is himself now the subject of a lawsuit.

The action has been brought by a coalition of anti-war groups, which accuse Mr Aznar of supporting the US-led invasion without the authority of the Spanish parliament or the head of state, King Juan Carlos.