An investigation into disturbances in Barcelona has led to the detention of eight young people linked to Blocus. Among them are a 20-year-old who presents himself as the movement’s leader and a 16-year-old.
The 20-year-old was arrested in Picanya, Valencia, on 30 October. Spain’s Guardia Civil described him as the alleged founder and principal promoter of Blocus in the country. It also attributed to him the creation and administration of Telegram groups used to coordinate violent actions and looting, publicly presented as student or broader social protests. Investigators are examining possible aggravated public-disorder offences and participation in a criminal organization. The investigation remains open.
The inquiry concerns disturbances in Barcelona on 24 October, when about 500 people were reported to have taken part. EFE, citing Mossos d’Esquadra, reported 128 arrests in connection with the unrest, including 72 minors; 122 of those detained were male and six female. Police recorded 23 shops as looted or vandalized and issued 68 administrative reports concerning items such as knives and sprays, as well as balaclavas, pyrotechnics and stones. Those figures cover arrests during the disturbances, separate from later arrests specifically linked to Blocus.
In a video circulated on 28 October, a masked figure with a distorted voice presented himself as the movement’s leader and announced a more radical phase. The 20-year-old says the movement radicalised after peaceful mobilisation drew no response. That is his account of the shift.
By 30 October, EFE had reported ten arrests in the wider Blocus-related investigation across Valencia province, Barcelona, Tenerife, Lleida, Bilbao and Málaga. The Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil and Mossos d’Esquadra took part. In Catalonia, the reported chronology included the arrest of a 16-year-old in Bellmunt d’Urgell and 17-year-olds in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, including one detained there on 30 October. Police attributed to that minor the distribution of a group access link and participation in conversations about materials to bring and alleged self-protection measures. The investigation was continuing, and further arrests had not been ruled out.
A related Blocus investigation report covered the arrest of an 18-year-old in Alfafar and a Guardia Civil arrest in Picanya targeting the alleged founder.
