Tuesday 19/Aug/2025 – 04:30 PM
The Al -Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism commented on the high rates of detention related to extremism issues, in an unprecedented way, as part of a new, more striking and proactive security approach, as 81 people have been arrested from the beginning of 2025 until mid -August, the same number that was recorded during the entire year of 2024.
The Observatory explained that this increase is due to a shift in the Spanish security strategy, which has become more focused on “preventive security”, as the security services carried out 48 to combat terrorism during this period. Expectations indicate that the number of arrests may exceed the 100th barrier of this year, which makes it the most recorded for operations since the Madrid bombings in 2004.
Al -Azhar Observatory warns: a standard height in arrest rates to combat extremism in Spain
He continued: The Qatouni area is the most disturbing focus, as it alone witnessed a third of the arrests (24 people), including ten in Barcelona. On the other hand, the number of detainees in Madrid has not exceeded only three people, and anti -terrorist experts believe that this rise does not necessarily reflect an increase in actual levels of extremism, but rather a product of a more strict security approach aimed at thwarting any attempt before it turns into a terrorist act.
The Al -Azhar Observatory to combat extremism stressed that this preventive approach, despite its importance, requires an accurate balance between protecting society and maintaining individual rights to avoid nourishing stress and loss of confidence.
The Observatory warned that the most dangerous polarization engines have become digital and cross -border, as extremist propaganda exploits international crises, foremost of which is the war in Gaza, to broadcast a quick mobilization speech, especially between minors. The observatory also stresses the need not to mix the religious identity with extremism, because of the risks of societal stigmatization that nourishes hate speech and serves advocates of violence.
