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Blocus movement triggers police alerts and arrests across Spain
Spanish authorities have launched widespread operations to counter the Blocus movement, a group accused of using social media to coordinate looting, vandalism, and public disorder. The movement has gained notoriety following violent disturbances in Barcelona on October 24, which resulted in numerous arrests and property damage.
Law enforcement has made several key arrests across the country. In Picanya, Valencia, a 20-year-old man was detained and placed in provisional imprisonment without bail for allegedly being the founder and main driver of Blocus in Spain. In Alfafar, an 18-year-old was arrested for allegedly inciting the use of Molotov cocktails to distract police during planned looting. Other arrests have occurred in Málaga, Tenerife, and Catalonia, involving individuals accused of acting as administrators or instigators for the group.
In response to new calls for mobilization on October 31, businesses in major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, and San Sebastian have implemented security measures. Many luxury retailers in Madrid’s “Golden Mile” have boarded up windows with wooden panels. In Barcelona, the Mossos d’Esquadra have deployed over 300 agents to secure the city, while in Bilbao, local shops have also taken preventative measures against potential unrest.
Entities
Barcelona · Blocus · Blocus movement · Guardia Civil · Mossos d'Esquadra · Mossos d’Esquadra · National Police · Picanya · Playa de las Américas · Policía Nacional · Salvador Illa · Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 9 SOURCES] The suspect is accused of conspiracy to commit public disorder and crimes against property. www.cantabriadiario.com · alsoldelacosta.com · mislatanews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Juvenile Prosecutor's Office ordered the minor's internment in a specialized center.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Some messaging groups had gathered more than 400 users. www.cantabriadiario.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] The group planned to set fires to distract the police. www.cantabriadiario.com · mislatanews.com · alsoldelacosta.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] A 17-year-old male was arrested in Valencia for creating the 'Blocus Vlc' communication channels. www.cantabriadiario.com
- [● 24 SOURCES] The planned looting was scheduled to take place on Saturday, the 31st. www.cantabriadiario.com · diariodeavisos.elespanol.com · mislatanews.com · alsoldelacosta.com · lacronicadesalamanca.com · +1 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] A 16-year-old male was arrested in Bellmunt d’Urgell for managing Blocus Lleida channels. diariodeavisos.elespanol.com · www.novatarrega.cat · lleidadiari.cat
- [● 9 SOURCES] Salvador Illa stated there will be no impunity for violence. www.totbarcelona.cat · www.novatarrega.cat
- [● 5 SOURCES] A 17-year-old was arrested in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia for his role in the October 24 Barcelona riots. www.totbarcelona.cat
- [● 3 SOURCES] Recent disturbances in Barcelona resulted in 133 arrests, with 85 being minors. www.galiciapress.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Businesses in Palma de Mallorca have begun boarding up windows to prevent damage from Blocus protests. mallorcanyheter.com · www.arabalears.cat
- [● 2 SOURCES] Foreign social media accounts from France, Uruguay, and Ecuador reportedly spread messages targeting immigrants following Barcelona riots.