On Tuesday, the Spanish National Court, also known as the Audiencia Nacional, sentenced a 76-year-old man, Pompeyo González Pascual, to 18 years in prison for sending six letter bombs to high-profile figures including the Spanish Prime Minister. This decision marks a significant move by the Spanish judiciary against domestic terrorism.
The conviction includes a 10-year sentence for the act of terrorism and an additional eight years for the preparation and placement of explosives with terrorist intentions. The court revealed that González’s actions were aimed at creating societal unrest and pressuring Spain, the United States, and other countries to cease their support for Ukraine. González’s efforts culminated in explosive-laden parcels being dispatched to the US and Ukrainian embassies, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, a weapons manufacturer, and a military station in Spain.
One envelope did cause minor injuries to a staff member at the Ukrainian embassy, while security measures intercepted other packages before they could detonate. The court established that González had extensively researched explosives and postal procedures online and monitored the delivery outcomes through similar channels. Despite González’s denials of the accusations, judges concluded there was sufficient evidence for his conviction.
Following his pre-trial detention in January 2023, González was granted conditional release in April due to a lack of flight risk and his clean prior record. The court noted that though González acted independently, he shared an ideological affinity with Russian positions and opposed Spain’s support for Ukraine’s military efforts.
The Audiencia Nacional, headquartered in Madrid, maintains jurisdiction over criminal offenses across Spain, ensuring consistent and fair application of justice throughout the nation. This ruling underscores its crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Spanish law enforcement.