The 17-year-old boy, who had already been convicted once for radical Islamist statements, was arrested again on Friday. As part of a de-radicalisation programme, he apparently had access to a laptop and “unfortunately also a mobile phone”, his legal representative said, commenting on the suspect’s crime. Numerous signs pointed to a repeat crime. Have the authorities failed here?
“IS (Islamic State, note) is completely wrong,” the 17-year-old terror suspect sadly explained in April 2023 during his trial for terrorist organization. His plan: to stab passers-by with a combat knife on the grounds of the Vienna Central Station in the name of IS.
Deradicalization has failed
Fortunately, the attack never happened – the boy must have lost courage and was arrested shortly afterwards by the WEGA special unit. The now 17-year-old was legally sentenced to two years in prison, eight months of which were suspended.
The remorse he showed during the trial was probably just lip service – and raises questions. The latest investigation into the case surrounding the terror suspect clearly shows that the boy has now been arrested again precisely because of his conviction for distributing IS propaganda material.
IS characters and symbols in the cell
Previously, there were signs of his recidivism, which may have been overlooked by those responsible for the deradicalization program and judicial officials. In March, a search of the 17-year-old’s cell in Vienna-Josefstadt prison revealed IS characters and symbols. He had scribbled the IS creed on his mattress and the slatted frame.
This apparently had no consequences for the IS sympathizer. The question of ‘why’ remains open to this day. In fact, he probably got a reward for it, because the terror suspect was allowed to move into a shared apartment – this is responsible for the rehabilitation of young people.
Received mobile phone and laptop from the authorities
Apparently the managers there are also often forgetful. Because the teenager received a gift for his previous glorious deeds: “Unfortunately, he had access to the mobile phone,” said David Jodlbauer, the teenager’s legal representative, commenting on the latest developments. The fact that the 17-year-old also has access to the internet and could potentially become radicalized again was also not taken into account. It is also said that he had a laptop. With these resources, he may have continued to carry out propaganda for IS and spread relevant content.
Last Wednesday he disappeared from the shared apartment and was reported missing. Officials from the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) are said to have ‘captured’ him again. According to a psychiatric report, the 17-year-old has an intelligence quotient of 94 and a language disorder. According to the expert, he was eventually healthy again.
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.
