Spanish authorities have released five out of 14 Pakistanis arrested in Spain on charges of inciting violence through WhatsApp groups. Additionally, one woman was granted bail by a court on Monday. According to diplomatic sources, further releases of Pakistani nationals are expected soon.
The arrests, made in a joint operation by Spain’s National Police and Italian law enforcement, involved 10 Pakistani nationals detained in Barcelona on terrorism-related charges. The group is accused of inciting killings and beheadings of opponents through the messaging app.
Reports indicate that the suspects are allegedly linked to an organized criminal group, with its leader identified as a 55-year-old Pakistani citizen. The group is reportedly connected to Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. One additional suspect was detained in Piacenza, Italy.
The authorities claim that the group used encrypted messaging platforms to issue violent orders and express support for attacks in Europe and Pakistan, primarily focused on blasphemy allegations. Some members of the group allegedly began identifying potential targets across Europe.
In addition to the main group, investigators uncovered a separate online network led by a detained woman, consisting solely of female members. This group is believed to have spread extremist propaganda and assisted in selecting targets. Authorities also revealed that the network was self-funded, with members contributing to finance its activities.
On March 6, the 10 arrested suspects appeared before Spain’s Central Investigative Court No. 6, facing charges of terrorist financing, recruitment, and inciting extremism. The court ordered the detention of four individuals, while investigations against the remaining suspects are ongoing.
Despite the group’s operations being based in Spain, authorities emphasized that no direct links to other international terrorist organizations have been established thus far.
