The pre-trial detention of the suspects in connection with the alleged plans to attack Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium was extended on Friday, court spokeswoman Christina Salzborn said. Beran A. (19) and his younger accomplices are being investigated for terrorist organization and criminal organization.
The 19-year-old with North Macedonian roots is said to have joined the terrorist militia ‘Islamic State’ (IS) and swore an oath of allegiance to the new IS leader on July 7. He is said to have planned to arrive near the Happel Stadium on August 8 or 9 with a car and flashing lights to kill Taylor Swift fans there. He was arrested on August 7. His lawyer emphasizes that he has not confessed. “There are probably mental problems. He may have dropped out of school because of that. He was unfit for the army,” says lawyer Werner Tomanek.
Another suspect, a 17-year-old with Turkish-Croatian roots, was arrested the same day. He worked at the Happel Stadium, but denies any connection with the attack plans.
Was in the orbit of Beran A.
The pre-trial detention of an 18-year-old, who was said to be in the orbit of the 19-year-old, was also extended. The two knew each other personally, but only briefly. The Iraqi was discovered via Beran A., whose environment was closely investigated after his arrest. The 18-year-old is also said to be an IS sympathizer.
He is said to have possessed IS propaganda material, shared it on social media and also pledged allegiance to IS. However, there is no evidence that the 18-year-old was involved in the 19-year-old’s attack plans or even knew about them.
Source: Krone
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