Spain Denies Citizenship to Moroccan Applicant Citing National Security Concerns

The Moroccan applied for nationality in July 2017. But it was not until July 19, 2021 that the Ministry of Justice notified him of its decision not to grant him Spanish nationality. He appealed the decision to the Audiencia Nacional, which has just rejected his request and confirmed the refusal "for reasons of national interest" on the basis of Article 21.2 of the Civil Code.

The high court made its decision based on the report of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), which indicates that the Moroccan "is an active member of the radical Islamist movement of the Muslim Brotherhood", a "very influential political organization within the Islamic world and with a large international structure".

This is not the first time that the CNI has given an unfavorable opinion on a request for Spanish nationality. Various reasons are cited: either links with radical Islamist groups, or collaboration with Moroccan intelligence services. In some cases, the Secretary of State for Security has even ordered the expulsion of those concerned from the national territory.

Last October, the security forces of Caceres arrested Yahya Benaouda, president of the Islamic community of the town of Talayuela and the Campo Arañuelo region, accused of Salafism. Of Moroccan origin, the imam was expelled because he was considered a threat to national security. His appeal was rejected by the Audiencia Nacional, which confirmed his expulsion.