Spain’s high court has taken swift action, ordering the detention of a 17-year-old Syrian student suspected of having connections with the militant Islamic State group and planning a terrorist attack on his high school. The youth, who pledged allegiance to ISIS on social media, will be held in a youth detention center for at least six months. The charges include belonging to a terrorist organization and possessing homemade explosives.
The arrest took place in the southern town of Montellano near Seville, where the suspect had been residing with his mother and 10-year-old sister for the past two years. All three have refugee status. The court’s decision to remand the student in custody was based on the seriousness of the charges and the potential threat he posed.
Judge Jose Luis de Castro, responsible for the court’s section for minors, stated that the felonies attributed to the suspect were of “enormous gravity,” justifying pre-trial detention. The judge highlighted “solid evidence” indicating the suspect’s acquisition of substances for homemade explosives and manuals for their production. The youth’s active online presence, where he pledged loyalty to ISIS, further raised concerns.
The court documents revealed that the suspect displayed signs of radicalization, showing an obsession with military matters, wearing camouflage clothing, and holding strong homophobic and antisemitic views. The judge’s order emphasized the need for the suspect’s detention based on the risk he posed to public safety.
Law enforcement had the suspect under surveillance, and on Sunday, while still being monitored, he went to an empty field where detonations were heard. This raised suspicions that he was testing explosives, prompting authorities to take immediate action. A police spokesperson refrained from commenting on the case due to the suspect’s underage status.
Reports from El Mundo suggested that police sources were certain an attack on the suspect’s high school was imminent, leading to the prompt arrest. The gravity of the situation was underscored by a message the suspect sent to some of his classmates via WhatsApp, stating, “Tomorrow’s the big day.” Consequently, several parents decided to keep their children away from the school on Monday.
Montellano, a town with a population of 7,000, is now grappling with the aftermath of the arrest, raising questions about the extent of radicalization and the potential risks associated with individuals residing within communities. The incident highlights the challenges authorities face in monitoring and preventing potential acts of terrorism, especially when involving minors.
The court’s decision to detain the suspect for at least six months reflects the seriousness of the charges and the perceived threat. As investigations continue, Spanish authorities will be working to uncover the full extent of the youth’s plans and the network, if any, supporting his radicalization and potential terrorist activities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating terrorism and the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing radicalization at an early stage.
