Audiencia Nacional begins trial of man accused of jihadism in Gipuzkoa

The Audiencia Nacional has begun the trial of a man detained in Itsasondo, Gipuzkoa, in October 2024 for alleged links to jihadism. The defendant, who remains in preventive custody, faces charges of self-indoctrination and the glorification of terrorism.

According to the prosecution, the individual radicalized himself through extensive consumption and dissemination of radical propaganda on social media throughout 2023 and 2024. Investigators claim the suspect was planning attacks against Catholic churches in Gipuzkoa and Navarra. Evidence presented includes efforts to procure a firearm, interest in manufacturing Molotov cocktails, and conducting surveillance on religious sites. The suspect also reportedly took security precautions to avoid detection, such as purchasing a mask and deleting digital content.