Spanish Court Orders Suspension of Ultra-Right Group Nucleo Nacional

A court in the northern Spanish city of Gijon has ordered the immediate suspension of the ultra-right organisation Nucleo Nacional amid an ongoing investigation into alleged hate crimes and illegal association. The judicial order requires the closure of the group's offices, the freezing of its bank accounts, and the blocking of its online channels.

The ruling follows the arrest of 14 members of the group last week on suspicion of inciting hatred against vulnerable social groups and political opponents. During coordinated raids on the group's headquarters in Madrid and additional properties across Spain, police officers seized more than 20 firearms, including several unlicensed weapons, alongside substantial stockpiles of ammunition.

Judicial authorities have imposed precautionary measures on key figures within the organisation while the investigation proceeds. Affected members are prohibited from leaving Spain and must report to court officials on a weekly basis. In response to the measures, a representative of the group stated in a video published on social media that the organisation was subject to political persecution.

Nucleo Nacional, which describes itself as a political movement seeking national awakening, has faced heightened scrutiny from Spanish authorities following anti-immigration campaigning earlier this year. State security services increased monitoring of the group after several thousand migrants entered the North African enclave of Ceuta in July.

The judicial intervention occurs during a period of social unrest in Spain ahead of the general election scheduled for November 29. The court ruling was announced one day after the country experienced its first nationwide general strike in 14 years. It also follows prior police interventions in Madrid, where three far-right activists were detained in October after attempting to confront demonstrators protesting against the national housing crisis in Puerta del Sol.

Written by Sandy van Dongen sandy.vandongen@alpineweekly.com