In December 2004, Iñaki Uria, Joan Mari Torrealdai, Txema Auzmendi, Xabier Alegria, Pello Zubira, Xabier Oleaga, and Martxelo Otamendi were arrested for forming an "illegal association" at the time of "Egunkaria"'s establishment, and for "membership of, or collaboration with, ETA". Following their detention, the daily director Martxelo Otamendi denounced soon on that he had been subjected to torture in custody. Aznar's government refused to launch an investigation, instead initiating prosecution against Egunkaria's director, claiming that by denouncing torture he was allegedly "collaborating with ETA". The lawsuit against Otamendi was then filed by the Secretary Deputy of Interior María Dolores de Cospedal; the lawsuit stalled soon after.