Spanish Court Suspends Nucleo Nacional in Alleged Hate Crimes Probe

A court in Gijón, northern Spain, has suspended far-right group Nucleo Nacional while authorities investigate alleged hate crimes and unlawful association. The ruling orders the closure of its office and blocks its bank accounts and social media, following the arrests of 14 members suspected of inciting hatred against vulnerable groups and people with opposing views. Police searches of the group’s headquarters and other locations uncovered more than 20 firearms, some allegedly unlicensed, along with ammunition and other weapons. Authorities have scrutinized the group over its anti-immigration rhetoric; several leaders are barred from leaving Spain and must report to court weekly. A group representative denounced the action as political persecution.