Judge orders Blocus suspect held on remand without bail

A Barcelona judge has ordered an 18-year-old suspect held on remand without bail in the Blocus investigation, after police said he helped drive online calls to loot shops and stir street violence in the city.

The decision came after Mossos d’Esquadra arrested the young man on Friday as part of the wider probe into last weekend’s disturbances. A court source said the judge considered there were signs of alleged conspiracy to commit public disorder and of involvement in an organised criminal group.

This is the latest step in a case that has already produced multiple arrests across Spain. CNS reported earlier on the widening inquiry in Ten held in Blocus sweep as police widen looting probe.

Police say he helped energise one of the online channels

According to the information released so far, investigators located the suspect in Barcelona after tracing social media activity linked to one of the channels used to encourage looting and violence. Police said the group was connected to the unrest on 24 October, when disturbances in the centre of Barcelona caused widespread alarm.

ABC reported that the young man was one of a number of people detained in connection with the online network behind the calls. It added that other suspects linked to the same probe have also already been brought before the courts or placed in closed detention.

The investigation remains open and police have not ruled out further arrests.

Wider probe continues after unrest

The Blocus case has centred on messaging groups and social media channels that investigators say were used to encourage coordinated looting and attacks on police. Officers have been tracking administrators and organisers believed to have helped circulate the calls.

Authorities have said the unrest led to numerous arrests during and after the incidents, as police increased checks in the city to try to prevent further disorder.