Attempted Assassination of Former EU Vice President Linked to Iranian Regime

Judge Santiago Pedraz of Spain's National Court has proposed to prosecute eight alleged members of an organized group behind the attempted assassination of Alejo Vidal-Quadras, a former leader of the Popular Party and co-founder of Vox. The attack occurred in Madrid on November 9, 2023, where Vidal-Quadras was shot in the face due to his vocal opposition to the Iranian regime, leaving him seriously injured. The attacker, who was equipped with a helmet, fled to Portugal but was ultimately apprehended in the Netherlands. Nearly two years post-incident, Judge Pedraz has concluded a comprehensive investigation, which includes the detention of several suspects abroad. The inquiry reveals that the assailant's motivations were tied to Vidal-Quadras’s political activity, specifically his prominent role within the European opposition to the Iranian authorities. Judge Pedraz has charged the eight suspects with belonging to a criminal organization and attempted terrorist murder, asserting they formed part of an organized group engaged in violent acts against individuals. The judge contends that the attack was commissioned by unknown individuals as an act of vengeance for Vidal-Quadras’s support of the Iranian resistance. The investigation has highlighted the involvement of the Islamic Republic of Iran in clandestine operations aimed at eliminating dissenting voices internationally. This includes accusations of harassment and assassination attempts targeting those critical of the regime. The judge’s findings suggest that numerous related investigations are underway in countries including the Netherlands, Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom. Among those charged are Mehrez A, the suspected shooter, his brother Larbi A, and several others identified only by first names. Notably, Sami B is presumed to be in Iran and allegedly was responsible for commissioning the assassination of Vidal-Quadras, marking him as a key figure linked to the attack. During his tenure in the European Parliament, Vidal-Quadras was a prominent advocate for the opposition against the Iranian government and the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK). His activism rendered him a target, and in 2022, he was placed on an official sanctions list for alleged support of terrorism. Days following the attack, the Fars news agency, tied to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, sent a stark warning to the Spanish government, stating that nations hosting groups categorized as terrorists could face severe repercussions. The preliminary findings of Judge Pedraz outline a meticulous attack preparation involving the acquisition of a motorcycle, rental vehicles, and surveillance measures around Vidal-Quadras’s activities. Meetings to plan the attack were conducted in multiple locations including Málaga and Granada. The analysis reveals Sami B's role in coordinating the details of the attack, with Mehrez A enlisted to execute it. The attack's planning stages entailed extensive surveillance, which was documented through various security cameras. Following the incident, Vidal-Quadras was swiftly taken to Gregorio Marañón Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. Judge Pedraz credited his survival to the quick response of medical staff and the vigilant citizens who alerted authorities, as well as the police units dispatched to the scene. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2