Aratz Bilbao sent to provisional prison for alleged terrorism

Aratz Bilbao Gómez, the alleged leader of the radical group Jardun Koordinadora, has been sent to provisional prison by the Audiencia Nacional on charges of terrorism. Bilbao, 34, surrendered in Irún after being identified by the Ertzaintza (Basque police) during a roadside check, where he was initially released for 21 days.

Investigations revealed that electronic material seized from the suspects contained personal data of a Civil Guard officer stationed in Eibar and the location of a suspected ETA 'zulo' (hideout). The case has caused tension between security forces, as the Civil Guard had reportedly been monitoring Bilbao for months, yet the Ertzaintza did not communicate with national police forces after the initial identification.

Alongside Bilbao, 23-year-old Malen Grünig was also sent to prison for similar reasons. Authorities describe Jardun Koordinadora as a movement that advocates for a return to the armed struggle abandoned by ETA. The group is estimated to have between 200 and 300 members.