An act loaded with emotions
The Lafede.cat Community Center, located in the vibrant district of the Raval in Barcelona, hosts an event where Palestinian activists share reflections on the defense of human rights through non-violence and feminism. The event, moderated by Natalia Abu-sharo, President of the Palestinian Community of Catalonia, attracts a diverse audience. Among the attendees is the figure of Belén Hammad Gómez, a young woman who seeks to join the Palestinian cause.
Belén’s true identity
Despite his appearance as an activist, Belén turns out to be an infiltrated agent of the Spanish National Police Corps. On October 22, 2018, he began his espionage mission after contacting Abu-sharo, promising to be interested in the Propalestine movement. This decision marks the beginning of a covert operation that will last more than two years.
Building a convincing facade
After infiltrating the social fabric of the Palestinian community of Catalonia and the coalition complicity with Israel, Belén joins the Casal Popular 3 Voltes Rebel in Nou Barris. His ability to create links and gaining the confidence of other members is remarkable, and soon becomes an active figure in the mobilizations against the judicial process of independence politicians.
A structure of infiltration
Belén belongs to the 32nd promotion of the Avila Police School, and his graduation coincided with his rapid transfer to Barcelona. Although he left the city by the end of 2020, his connection with activists remained alive, demonstrating a common pattern among other infiltrators: the need to maintain contacts for future operations.
The Rizoma Program: a field of knowledge
One of the key experiences that facilitated his infiltration was his participation in Rizoma, a social leadership program. Through this program, Belén made contacts with prominent figures of social movements and expanded his network of influence, using his position to obtain valuable information.
An active role in the community
During his stay, Belén took an active part in various activities, including the preparation of commemorative events and the management of communications in the Palestinian community. His dedication was perceived as a genuine commitment, until the suspicions began to emerge among members of the organization.
Reactions and Research
His exposure as a infiltrated was accelerated by a report that revealed police espionage practices. Later investigations confirmed his identity as an agent, causing outrage and a forceful reaction among the affected groups, who contemplate legal actions.
A spy system
The organizations involved have expressed their concern about this violation of confidence and privacy, denouncing that the use of covert agents to infiltrate social movements is a practice that violates human rights and freedom of expression.
Reflections on identity and commitment
This story of infiltration not only reveals the techniques of espionage of the state, but also raises questions about the identity and the true nature of the struggle for human rights. The need to maintain constant surveillance in the face of possible infiltrations is now clearer than ever, and organizations need to be prepared to face this new challenge.
