Minor aged under 16 arrested in Valencia for leading Blocus online campaign
National Police arrested a teenager who was distributing posters and QR codes to recruit members of Blocus. He is the second minor detained in four days for his role in the disturbances of 31 October.
Minor arrested for directing Blocus recruitment on social networks
According to lavanguardia.com, National Police detained a minor aged under 16 on Saturday 31 October in central Valencia, at around 18:15 hours, accused of being responsible for the initial distribution of Blocus posters via social media. At the time of arrest, he was carrying gloves and clothing to conceal his face, as well as a mobile telephone which was seized from him.
The adolescent is the second minor detained in four days in relation to the Blocus Vlc movement. He is charged with conspiracy to commit public disorder, conspiracy to commit offences against property and membership of an organised group. The Juvenile Prosecution Service will decide his fate in the coming hours.
The detainee is considered responsible for distributing posters and invitations via QR code that encouraged others to join the group, created on an instant messaging application, of which he also became an administrator. These posters were instrumental in the convening of young people to carry out vandalistic acts in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.
The police operation deployed in the area where he was captured identified 440 people in the vicinity of the bullring. Officers drew up six reports for possession of weapons, seven for drug trafficking and one for disrespect to authority. They also seized nine approved spray cans, 28 balaclavas and eight masks, among other items.
The detention is part of a broader investigation into the disturbances of 31 October in central Valencia. Last Wednesday another minor aged 17 was arrested accused of creating the Blocus Vlc communication channels, who was admitted to a youth detention centre. On Friday 30, National Police arrested a young man aged 18 in Alfafar, Valencia, for active participation in the looting; he was remanded in provisional custody.
The detentions extend beyond the region. Two other young people were arrested on Friday for their links with Blocus in Bilbao and Málaga. The Civil Guard also arrested in Picanya, Valencia, the alleged founder and leader of the movement in Spain. Investigations continue to clarify the full extent of the facts.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)