In the terror trial in Vienna this week, two young people (17 and 18 years old) had to answer before the Vienna Regional Court. On Tuesday, both were sentenced to two years of unconditional imprisonment.
The two young people are already convicted supporters of the radical Islamist terrorist militia ‘Islamic State’ (IS). They now had to appear in court again for terrorist association, attempted grievous bodily harm and violation of the weapons law.
Passers-by shot
The two defendants shot from the window of an apartment in Vienna-Favoriten in May this year. Fortunately only with an air rifle, because they hit an employee of the MA48. The 18- and 17-year-olds picked up the gun just two days after the older man’s first conviction. His co-defendant was found guilty of terrorism charges in January 2023.
Defendants distance themselves from IS in court
But the prison sentences will probably have no effect on the young people, says the public prosecutor. Because there is another accusation of spreading IS propaganda. On the first day of the trial, both suspects distanced themselves from the terrorist organization. The 18-year-old Bosnian is said to have been confused and no longer able to distinguish between good and evil. His lawyer duo Andreas Schweitzer and Sebastian Lesigang also emphasize that their client no longer has anything to do with IS.
The younger Viennese tells his defender Anna Mair – he himself remains silent – that he was influenced and would do and approve what the people around him told him to do. The prosecutor also asks for him to be placed in a forensic therapeutic center – he is acutely dangerous.
17 year old is considered acutely dangerous
At the beginning of this year, he was given a partial 21-month prison sentence for showing beheading videos at school, appearing in class with a knife and walking through Vienna’s Mariahilfer Strasse with a machete. According to the expert, the personality development disorder that was already visible at the time has now developed into a combined personality disorder.
The psychiatrist agrees with lawyer Mair that the 17-year-old is extremely impressionable: “That is the big risk factor. He cannot distance himself from unfavorable influences. In his case there was a radical environment.” She urgently recommends accommodation, otherwise serious acts of violence would occur in the near future.
Two years in prison for terrorism
The jury followed the advice: the 17-year-old was placed in a forensic therapeutic center. Both suspects also risk a prison sentence of one year. The statements are not legally binding.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
