Spain Arrests 11 Pakistanis in Barcelona for Inciting Violence, Terror Financing & Extremism
Spanish authorities have arrested 11 Pakistani nationals in Barcelona for their alleged involvement in inciting violence, terror financing, and extremism linked to blasphemy. The arrests took place last week as part of a joint operation by the Spanish National Police and Italian law enforcement.
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Crackdown on Extremist Network
According to Spanish police, the detained individuals were allegedly associated with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a far-right Islamist group known for its extremist views on blasphemy. The suspects reportedly operated through encrypted communication channels, where they incited violence and called for attacks against individuals accused of blasphemy.
Authorities confirmed that the arrests were part of a three-year-long investigation into radical networks operating in Barcelona. This latest operation marked the third phase of the probe, bringing the total number of arrests to 30 since the investigation began. Ten of the suspects were detained in Barcelona, while one was arrested in Piacenza, Italy.
Leader Used Encrypted Platforms to Spread Extremist Views
The alleged leader of the group is a 55-year-old Pakistani national who reportedly used encrypted messaging platforms to incite violence and glorify attacks related to blasphemy cases in both Europe and Pakistan. Authorities also discovered a separate online group led by a woman—now in custody—who was allegedly involved in recruiting women for extremist activities and target selection.
Charges Against the Suspects
The arrested individuals face multiple charges, including:
- Terror Financing – Funding activities linked to extremist causes.
- Recruitment for Extremist Activities – Enlisting individuals for radical actions.
- Inciting Violence – Encouraging attacks over blasphemy allegations.
- Glorification of Terrorism – Praising violent acts committed in the name of religious extremism.
The suspects were presented before Spain’s Central Investigative Court No. 6 last week for further legal proceedings.
TLP’s Radical Influence
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was founded in 2015 by Pakistani cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi. The party is notorious for its violent protests, especially against any changes to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. It has been linked to attacks on law enforcement and public calls for the execution of individuals accused of blasphemy.
TLP gained political traction in Pakistan, securing 2.89 million votes in the 2024 general elections, maintaining its position as the country’s fifth-largest party. The group has a history of targeting minority communities, particularly the Ahmadiyya sect, and has staged large-scale protests over blasphemy-related issues.
International Concerns Over TLP’s Extremism
TLP has also made headlines internationally. In 2018, the group protested against a planned caricature contest in the Netherlands, with its leader threatening nuclear retaliation. In 2020, after the beheading of French teacher Samuel Paty over alleged blasphemy, TLP praised the attacker, calling him a “martyr” and sharing graphic images online.
Ongoing Investigation and Global Security Measures
The recent arrests highlight growing concerns about the influence of extremist groups beyond Pakistan’s borders. European authorities have increased surveillance on radical networks to prevent the spread of religious extremism and violence.
Spain’s crackdown on the suspected TLP-linked individuals underscores the country’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and ensuring public safety. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the network’s operations in Europe.
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