A court order in Gijon bars Nucleo Nacional from operating, shuts its office, and blocks social media content and bank accounts amid an investigation into alleged hate crimes and unlawful association, the court said Thursday.
Reuters reported that authorities arrested 14 Nucleo Nacional members the previous week over alleged hate incitement against vulnerable groups and people with opposing ideologies. Spain’s National Police separately said a seven-province operation led to at least 12 arrests; Cadena SER later reported 14 people had been detained.
Police said searches of the group’s Madrid headquarters and other sites led to the seizure of more than 20 firearms, some unlicensed, plus ammunition and other illegal weapons. The court had already restricted key members, barring them from leaving Spain and requiring weekly court reporting.
Spanish authorities accuse the group of bringing minors and other young people into its ranks and indoctrinating them, while promoting hatred, discrimination and violence toward vulnerable groups. Reuters said members held anti-immigration rallies in Ceuta after thousands of migrants entered the Spanish enclave in July. Reuters said Spain’s next general election is set for Nov. 29.
