Repeat terror suspect held after breaching surveillance orders

Police in Barcelona have arrested a repeat terror suspect accused of breaching the surveillance conditions imposed after an earlier conviction for jihadist indoctrination, according to investigators.

The man was detained on Tuesday 3 November in the Raval neighbourhood, in Ciutat Vella, after officers gathered evidence that he had allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions attached to his supervised release.

Those measures included a requirement to remain contactable at all times through electronic devices that allowed police to monitor him, to report to police every fortnight, and to stay away from online spaces considered conducive to jihadist radicalisation.

Investigators say he repeatedly broke those conditions, prompting a fresh inquiry that ended with his arrest. The operation also included a search of his home, where officers seized several electronic devices now being analysed.

Previous conviction

The suspect was first arrested in 2018 and later convicted for glorifying terrorism and jihadist indoctrination. He was released under supervision in 2021, but police say he continued to maintain radical online profiles and to stay in regular contact with extremist followers.

According to the material cited by investigators, he had several social media accounts containing radical content. Police say those accounts remained active and were used to keep in touch with openly jihadist contacts.

The case is being handled by the Policía Nacional, which said the man posed a risk to public safety. A judge from Spain’s Audiencia Nacional has ordered him into custody.

The arrest comes amid continued concern in Spain about individuals who have already been through the criminal justice system for terrorism-related offences and later fall back into extremist activity online.

Authorities have not said whether any further arrests are expected.