Madrid - The trial of a former Spanish interior minister for participation in the GAL death squads in the 1980s ended yesterday, and a verdict is expected at the end of the month or early in August, writes Paddy Woodworth.
If convicted, Mr Jose Barrionuevo faces 23 years in prison for kidnapping a Basque businessman - who had been mistaken for a member of ETA - in 1983. His deputy, nine other members of his anti-terrorist high command, and another senior politician, are also charged. Only Mr Barrionuevo and his deputy pleaded not guilty.
