Spain Orders Expulsion of Islamic Leader for Alleged Jihadist Indoctrination

Mohamed Saïd, 40, has lived in Tarragona for 30 years. The police notified him last Wednesday of the expulsion order for threatening national security. The Moroccan is accused of jihadist indoctrination in his community and of "trying to enter politics to destabilize the Spanish state and its institutions". The police consider him one of the "main references in Spain of orthodox Salafism", reports El Pais.

Mohamed Saïd arrived in Reus from Larache, Morocco, with his parents when he was only 10 years old. Today, he is married and a father of three children and has a stable job. For the past five years, he has been the spokesperson for the As-Sunnah mosque in Reus, classified as Salafist. "I deny any radicalization and advocacy of violence. I have collaborated with the security forces of the province so that there are no problems. And now they come to accuse me of these things..." he laments.

A few weeks ago, the Spanish authorities rejected his application for Spanish nationality, suspecting him of being a "radicalized" person. According to the intelligence report, Saïd has clearly stated in public statements that he is in favor of wearing the hijab, teaching Islam and integrating halal menus in schools. The report also mentions his activity on social networks, which is a means for him to extend "his sphere of influence" beyond Tarragone.

Since June 2020, Saïd has been the president of the Association for the Defense of the Rights of the Muslim Community (ADEDCOM). Civil society organizations and the Reus town hall are mobilized to defend his rights and prevent his expulsion. A support rally was held on Monday in the city, with more than 150 people. In a joint statement, the ERC, PSC or CUP parties attest that Saïd has always participated in the activities of the municipality and ask the Ministry of the Interior to take this into account. Saïd has already appealed the decision.