TikTok video – call to violence: 14-year-old wanted to “destroy Graz”

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Alarm bells are ringing for the Styrian police and state leadership: after a public call for violence on “TikTok”, Styrian state security agents investigated a 14-year-old Syrian. He is said to have called online for Graz to be ‘destroyed’. The city has increased protective measures.

Alarm after a video published on the Chinese video platform ‘TikTok’ on Tuesday. It shows three photos from Israel with pro-Palestinian appeals. The initially unknown author also called for violence on Graz’s central square, among other places. Styrian state security officials from the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Combating Terrorism (LVT) immediately began the investigation – with success.

The 14-year-old blamed his friend
They quickly identified the alleged author of the video. It concerns a 14-year-old Syrian from Graz who has lived in the capital since 2015. He called for “annihilation” in Graz. The young man made no confession during his interrogation. Instead, he accused a friend of the same age of posting the video to his account. However, the young man was able to provide an alibi. The 14-year-old is now on trial on suspicion of incitement to criminal offenses and defamation. So far, no targeted attack plans have been identified in the investigation.

Terror alert level “High”: protective measures have been increased
Meanwhile, Styrian police have further strengthened protective measures already in place following the nationwide increase to the second-highest level of terror alert. Civilian and uniformed forces, as well as special forces from preparedness and operational units, will again increase the presence. These protective measures mainly affect Jewish institutions, but also heavily visited public places.

“Tense security situation”
State Police Director Gerald Ortner on current developments: “The recent success of the Styrian state security investigation shows how tense the security situation is and what effects this can also have on other countries. The importance of social media channels and their potential for radicalization should not be ignored. Now it is about being attentive, but without neglecting the necessary calm and caution,” said the Styrian police chief.

LH Drexler: “That gives me something to think about when it comes to integration performance”
ÖVP State Governor Christopher Drexler, who together with his deputy Anton Lang got an idea of ​​the threat situation, is shocked: “I am very concerned if 14-year-olds become so radicalized that they spread such messages. If someone comes to Austria at the age of six, it really gives something to think about, especially in view of the integration work that is being done here. Attention and vigilance are required in this regard.”

Source: Krone

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