Terrorism investigation in Basque Country

The Ertzaintza is investigating two individuals, a 34-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, for suspected terrorism-related offenses in Gipuzkoa. The investigation stems from a September 26 traffic stop in Eskoriatza, where authorities intercepted a vehicle containing sensitive information regarding security forces and the suspected location of weapons and explosives.

The suspects, described as Basque nationalists with relevant criminal records, surrendered voluntarily at a police station in Irun. A third individual of Irish nationality was also reportedly involved in the incident.

The case is being handled by the Audiencia Nacional. Authorities have noted the significance of the development, as it may represent the first identification of a domestic group pursuing such aims since the end of ETA’s activities. Political reactions have been divided; the PNV party expressed “absolute concern” that such actions could return society to “past times,” while the organization Aske condemned the arrests as a “criminalization campaign.”

Recent developments have identified the 34-year-old man as Aratz Bilbao Gómez, the alleged leader of a radical group known as Jardun Koordinadora. The Audiencia Nacional has since sent Bilbao Gómez and 23-year-old Malen Grünig to provisional prison on terrorism charges.

Investigations into seized electronic material revealed personal data of a Civil Guard officer stationed in Eibar and the location of a suspected ETA ‘zulo’ (hideout). The case has highlighted tensions between security forces, as the Civil Guard had reportedly been monitoring Bilbao Gómez for months, while the Ertzaintza did not communicate with national police forces following the initial identification. Authorities describe Jardun Koordinadora as a movement advocating for a return to the armed struggle abandoned by ETA, with an estimated membership of 200 to 300 people.