Spanish judge suspends far-right Núcleo Nacional and freezes its accounts
A judge in Spain’s northern city of Gijón suspended the far-right Núcleo Nacional group’s activities during an investigation into suspected hate crimes and illegal association. The order covers offices, online communications and bank accounts. It follows a police operation in which 14 people were detained. The restrictions are interim measures in an investigation, rather than a criminal conviction.
Geopolitics··Midday
Offices and activities face suspension
A judge in Gijón, a city in northern Spain, ordered the far-right political group Núcleo Nacional to suspend its activities and close its offices. The order was announced as part of an investigation into suspected hate crimes and illegal association.[1], [2]
The interim restrictions also cover social-media communications and bank accounts. Offices in Madrid, Burgos and Valladolid fall under the closure measures. The suspension restricts the organisation’s operations during the investigation; it is not a criminal conviction.[1]
Fourteen people were detained
Police detained 14 people in the preceding Friday’s operation and searched 12 locations. Suspects were required to surrender passports and report regularly to court. Investigators alleged that the group recruited and indoctrinated young people, including minors, and incited hostility against vulnerable groups and people with opposing political views. These accusations remain under judicial investigation.[1]
Weapons allegations remain under investigation
About 20 firearms were reported seized during the searches. Local reporting said most were licensed. Alleged prohibited-weapons offences concern other seized items. The order came during Spain’s election campaign. Investigators are examining those allegations alongside suspected hate crimes and illegal association, while the judge’s new order extends the restrictions to the organisation’s premises, communications and finances.[1]
