Moroccan Imam in Spain Faces Trial for Alleged Jihadist Propaganda on Social Media

Imam Bilal J. first entered Spain in July 2017, and a second time in March 2018 and has been living in Getafe since December 3 of the same year. Since then, he has preached on Fridays at the Al-Istikama mosque in the city. Of Moroccan origin, he posted jihadist content on Facebook and Telegram, according to the indictment to which Europa Press had access.

In 2020, his home was searched by agents of the General Information Commissariat (CGI) who seized four mobile phones, two SD cards and a USB key. After analysis, it was proven that the imam "had taken security measures in his communications and on social networks". He used Wifi networks to connect to the Internet and had up to ten email addresses, two Telegram accounts and nine Facebook profiles.

On one of the phones, three videos produced by Daesh’s technical section were found, giving instructions on security measures to be adopted on the Internet. The imam also actively participated in the activities of 41 jihadist groups on Telegram and WhatsApp, the indictment states, adding that some of these groups were managed by Daesh communication agencies, such as AMAQ and Nasher News.

On another phone, up to 50 videos of executions and murders by violent methods were found. The Moroccan imam was also contacted and trained to carry out terrorist attacks, the prosecutor claims, adding that the defendant took advantage of his position as an imam at the Getafe mosque to try to indoctrinate young worshippers and promote Daesh.