Rabat – Spanish police in the Basque Country arrested two young Sahrawis originally from the Tindouf camps on Wednesday in the Álava region. The individuals are facing charges of “collaboration with jihadist organizations” and “glorification of terrorism,” according to converging reports.
Both suspects appeared on Friday before a judge at Spain’s National Court in Madrid, which specializes in terrorism-related cases. Following the hearing, the magistrate ordered one of the suspects to remain in custody while releasing the second under judicial supervision with conditions.
Notably, most Spanish media outlets reporting on the case—particularly those in the Basque region—did not mention the origins of the suspects. According to a Moroccan source cited by multiple converging reports, one of the arrested individuals is reportedly closely connected to Khatri Addouh, the Polisario Front’s new ambassador to Algeria.
The same source indicated that Polisario representatives in Spain have been pressuring media outlets not to reveal that the suspects are linked to the Tindouf camps.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the possible radicalization within the camps. In recent months, various American think tanks and political figures have called for the U.S. government to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization.
Meanwhile, in Spain, a heated debate continues within the ruling coalition over a proposal to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born during the Spanish colonial occupation of Western Sahara.
Originally proposed by the far-left party Sumar—seen as a political move against the ruling Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE)—, the initiative has sparked division. PSOE has opposed recognizing identity documents issued by the Polisario and has resisted simplifying naturalization procedures for Sahrawis.
Despite PSOE’s opposition, the proposal was passed in parliament thanks to support from other parties, further fueling tensions within Spain’s governing alliance.
