British woman among those arrested after assassination attempt on Spanish politician

In a significant development, three people, including a British woman, have been arrested in connection with the recent assassination attempt on Alejo Vidal-Quadras, the former Catalan PP president and founder of Vox. The arrests took place in Fuengirola, Malaga, and Lanjaron, Granada, on Tuesday, November 21st, shedding light on a case that has captivated public attention.

The suspects, two Spanish men and a British woman, are closely tied to the attack on Vidal-Quadras in central Madrid, as reported by El Pais. The National Police are actively exploring the 'Iranian trail' theory, connecting the assault to Vidal-Quadras' past affiliations with Iranian dissidents during his tenure as a European parliamentarian (1999-2014). This aspect remains a focal point of the ongoing investigation.

Vidal-Quadras, identified as one of the first on Iran's terrorist list due to his support for the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK), has also been associated with the European Friends of Israel, an organization safeguarding Israel's interests within the European Union.

The incident transpired on November 9th near Calle Nuñez de Balboa in Madrid, when the 78-year-old politician, returning from sports activities, was shot in the jaw. The assailant, wearing a black motorcycle helmet and blue jeans, swiftly fled on a motorcycle with an accomplice. No verbal exchange occurred between the victim and the assailant during the attack.

In the aftermath, Vidal-Quadras is reportedly still in the hospital, recuperating from an emergency operation. The investigation gained traction as the motorcycle used in the attack, later found destroyed in Fuenlabrada, was linked to a French citizen wanted for murder, leading to the identification of the assailants.

Crucial leads were provided by security camera footage from nearby businesses, capturing the suspects conducting surveillance before the incident. Additionally, a vehicle rented in Malaga and discovered in Granada has been associated with the arrested suspects.

The role of the British woman, who is the partner of one of the detained men, remains under investigation. Initially treated as a common crime, the complexity of the attack has broadened the scope of the investigation. The involvement of international actors and potential political motivations has prompted the General Information Commissariat, specialists in terrorism investigations, to take a keen interest in the case.