Spain Investigates Alleged Neo-Nazi Preparations for Armed Uprising
World
Spanish police are investigating the activities of neo-Nazi group Núcleo Nacional following reports that members received paramilitary training in Ukraine and discussed a possible “armed uprising” in Spain. The allegations appear in court documents, while the existence of a concrete plan for violent action remains under judicial investigation.
According to the National Police, several activists travelled to Ukraine last August. Investigators believe they intended to learn weapons handling and paramilitary tactics and later pass those skills on to other group members. The case file refers to shooting practice with AK-47 rifles, body armour, and photographs and videos showing the organisation’s insignia and Nazi symbols.
During the trip, members allegedly had contact with the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. Spanish broadcasters RTVE and Cadena SER reported that the unit provided training, although it has not been independently confirmed that Azov personnel acted as instructors. In an intercepted conversation on 12 August, one activist said an uprising would be impossible without training.
The investigation began after disturbances in Gijón in February. On 6 November, police arrested 14 members of the organisation across seven Spanish provinces. They are suspected of incitement to hatred, forming an unlawful organisation and illegal possession of weapons. Those detained included spokesperson Iván Rico, Isabel Peralta and far-right leader Enrique Lemus.
Investigators are also examining a conversation from May in which a member claimed to own a pistol and a rifle without a licence. Police are checking whether the weapons may have been bought on the black market or brought from a conflict zone. The inquiry has also identified contacts with far-right organisations in Germany, France, Hungary, Romania and Croatia. According to investigators, the group included minors under the age of 14.
The operation took place a day before a demonstration scheduled by Núcleo Nacional in Madrid on 7 November, amid fears of possible clashes. Police seized knuckle-dusters and electric stun devices during searches. Ten suspects were later released under precautionary measures, including a ban on leaving Spain.
Members linked to the group had previously been detained during March demonstrations in Madrid. In August, around 20 activists travelled to Ceuta and were escorted by police to the port. The courts continue to examine the organisation’s activities and possible preparations for violence. Euronews said Ukrainian authorities had not responded to its request for comment by publication time.
During the trip, members allegedly had contact with the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. Spanish broadcasters RTVE and Cadena SER reported that the unit provided training, although it has not been independently confirmed that Azov personnel acted as instructors. In an intercepted conversation on 12 August, one activist said an uprising would be impossible without training.
The investigation began after disturbances in Gijón in February. On 6 November, police arrested 14 members of the organisation across seven Spanish provinces. They are suspected of incitement to hatred, forming an unlawful organisation and illegal possession of weapons. Those detained included spokesperson Iván Rico, Isabel Peralta and far-right leader Enrique Lemus.
Investigators are also examining a conversation from May in which a member claimed to own a pistol and a rifle without a licence. Police are checking whether the weapons may have been bought on the black market or brought from a conflict zone. The inquiry has also identified contacts with far-right organisations in Germany, France, Hungary, Romania and Croatia. According to investigators, the group included minors under the age of 14.
The operation took place a day before a demonstration scheduled by Núcleo Nacional in Madrid on 7 November, amid fears of possible clashes. Police seized knuckle-dusters and electric stun devices during searches. Ten suspects were later released under precautionary measures, including a ban on leaving Spain.
Members linked to the group had previously been detained during March demonstrations in Madrid. In August, around 20 activists travelled to Ceuta and were escorted by police to the port. The courts continue to examine the organisation’s activities and possible preparations for violence. Euronews said Ukrainian authorities had not responded to its request for comment by publication time.
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