Two Sisters Arrested in Spain for Allegedly Establishing Jihad Academy

madrid, spain - Spanish police apprehend two sisters in Madrid accused of setting up a 'jihad academy' to recruit Muslim women by spreading radical and violent material under the guise of teaching the Quran.

Two Sisters Arrested in Spain for Allegedly Establishing Jihad Academy

Spanish authorities have detained two women in Madrid for allegedly creating a 'jihad academy' aimed at recruiting Muslim women through the dissemination of radical and violent materials disguised as Quran teachings.

Background

The police initiated an investigation last year after discovering social media profiles promoting extremist jihadist content, leading them to the two sisters from Alcorcón, Madrid. Born in Spain to non-radicalized Moroccan parents, the siblings used their online presence to indoctrinate other Muslim women under the pretext of religious education.

Legal Proceedings

The siblings appeared before the National High Court on Thursday, where the elder sister was remanded in custody. She attributed her adoption of jihadist ideology to a past romantic relationship. The younger sister was conditionally released as investigations continue into their virtual connections with jihadist prisoners.

Virtual Recruitment

Sources revealed that the women engaged in pro-jihadist conversations on WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok, and Instagram, expressing willingness to die for the cause. While fantasizing about jihad participation, they reportedly refrained from direct criminal acts, focusing on indoctrination in line with ISIS ideology.

Terrorist Links

Authorities found that the sisters accessed ISIS-related databases for indoctrination and training resources, operating a virtual platform akin to a 'jihad academy' targeting women. One sister also praised a violent attack on six women in Barcelona earlier this year, showing awareness of their terrorist activities and employing security measures to evade detection.

The police emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting the sisters' connections to terrorist organizations and their efforts to radicalize vulnerable individuals.