FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 93 - ENGLISH

10 example), it is worth highlighting the high level of effectiveness demonstrated by the security forces in their monitor- ing, detection and neutralisation of the threat. With regard to the level of arrests made, in comparison with other countries in our region, it should first be noted that the existing legal framework in Spain with regard to terrorist offences is characterised, on the one hand, by a long-standing legislative tradition in the field of combating domestic ter- rorism and, on the other hand, by the adaptation of this framework through successive reforms of the Criminal Code, which have made certain behav- iours that would otherwise not be pun- ishable, punishable. Likewise, this statistical aspect would reveal how, at the operational level, our country has also adapted its coun- ter-terrorism mechanisms to the afore- mentioned developments and transfor- mations in the threat, by strengthening both "digital surveillance" and inter- national cooperation. These measures, combined with a robust national coun- ter-terrorism strategy that is eminently preventive in nature, have probably led to a greater number of actions being taken. This approach would have had an im- pact, on the one hand, on young indi- viduals – among whom the presence of minors would also be evident – who would be showing considerable levels of online self-radicalisation, as well as a high capacity for using new tech- nologies to disseminate jihadist ideas. On the other hand, this preventive ap- proach would also enable early inter- vention in the initial stages of terrorist training or in the planning of possible violent actions. What is the current level of terrorist risk in our country? Has the nature of the threat changed? The anti-terrorism alert level for Spain has remained at level 4 throughout 2025, out of the five levels contem- plated in the Anti-Terrorism Preven- tion, Protection and Response Plan (PPPRA), which implies a HIGH risk of terrorist attack. In addition, additional reinforced measures have been activated at spe- cific times, such as the Christmas peri- od, Easter and other significant dates, maintaining the reinforcement for cer- tain assets established on 17 October 2023, motivated by the attack by the terrorist group HAMAS on Israel. The terrorist threat is a dynamic and changing phenomenon. For more than fifty years, terrorist activity in Spain was dominated by indigenous terror- ism, mainly carried out by the bloody terrorist organisation ETA. Currently, the terrorist threat is predominantly of jihadist origin. On the other hand, methodologies have changed, moving from the phys- ical realm, where there was organised coordination of people around a cell or subgroup, to a purely virtual and dis- aggregated environment, consisting mainly of individual actors who interact through digital platforms. Therefore, the fight against terrorism in the digital environment has become an essential part of national and European security. The dissemination of terrorist propaganda, hate speech, direct threats, incitement to violence and, particular- ly painfully, content that degrades the memory of victims, has a direct impact on our coexistence, social cohesion, the protection of the most vulnerable and the defence of our democratic model. This is not a theoretical debate, but a phenomenon that has fuelled attacks in the real world, radicalised individuals and damaged the fabric of trust that is essential for life in freedom. Spain understood this reality from the outset. With determination and stra- tegic vision, our country opted for a comprehensive model that combines prevention, intelligence, administra- tive action and operational capacity, in line with European priorities and fully respectful of fundamental rights. In the overall calculation of arrests, Catalonia stands out from other re- gions. What are the reasons for this concentration? It is true that the analysis of quantita- tive data shows a predominant result with regard to the number of detainees in Catalonia. Specifically, looking at the data for the last four years (the period from 2022 to 2025, which is not yet complete, as December has not been counted), this trend can be seen: ` In 2022, detainees in Catalonia ac- counted for 27% of the national total (12 out of 46). ` In 2023: Same percentage (27%), 18 detainees out of 78 of the national total. ` In 2024: 32%, with 26 out of 81 de- tainees. ` And in 2025: With one month to go before the end of the year, the trend is similar, 33%, with 32 detainees out of 97. ` The specific circumstances for this concentration could be due to various variables: Francisco Javier Marín, Brigadier General of the Civil Guard and Director of the Intelligence Centre against Terrorism and Organised Crime (CITCO) since the end of 2024, analyses the current challenges in the fight against terrorism and organised crime, as well as the importance of international cooperation and technological innovation in security INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTOR OF CITCO NEWS