Audiencia National to investigate mass entry into Ceuta as territorial attack

Judge María Tardón has assumed the investigation into the irregular entry of between 75,000 and 85,000 people into Ceuta on July 30 and 31. The judge considers that the events may go far beyond a spontaneous migratory phenomenon, pointing to a potential organized attack on Spain's territorial integrity.

The preliminary ruling highlights that there was an allegedly coordinated process partially managed from Morocco. This flow aimed to overwhelm Spanish response capabilities and compromise state independence, according to the court.

“Nos hallamos ante una conducta delictiva presuntamente cometida en el extranjero que ha atacado gravemente la integridad territorial de España.”

The investigation encompasses potential offenses including actions compromising state peace, crimes against foreign citizens' rights, criminal organization, and negligent homicide. These charges connect to 83 recovered bodies found in Spanish waters.

The proceedings originate from an initial complaint filed on July 31 by Iustitia Europa, represented by lawyer Luis María Pardo Rodríguez. Several other political and civic entities subsequently joined the legal process as plaintiffs.

Prior to asserting jurisdiction, the judge requested reports from police units including the Central UCRIF and the National Center for Immigration and Borders. The proceedings have been partially declared secret to protect general state interests.