Terrorism expert Peter R. Neumann of King’s College in London classifies Villach’s attack as part of a jihadist wave “that has been announced for months”. The perpetrators represented a “new type”.
When radicalization, the focus is on the internet, he wrote on the “X” platform (formerly Twitter). The expert sees “Zero documents” for a direct connection with the German Federal election.
“Radicalization on the internet even clearer”
There is also no evidence about “external coordination or even: manipulation by Russia”. His analysis of the alleged murderer of Munich – In the attack with a car there was countless injuries, a toddler and his mother died later in the hospital on Thursday – “Apparently also applies to the murderer of #villach.” And radicalization on the internet even clearer, “explained the German political scientist, publicist and journalist.
Online radicalization has increased enormously, “Islamist, influencer on Tiktok has hundreds of thousands of followers, the terrorist expert reported. Belonging to certain groups has become less important:” Everyone can put together their own ideology from set pieces on Tiktok or Instagram. “
Terror as a fantasy of violence
This type of online radicalization “often goes hand in hand with brutalization. Terror as a fantasy of violence. And even more: it happens faster than in the past, “Neumann warned. Located by a personal crisis, “a whole cycle can take place within a few weeks”.
Ask for “virtual agents” in chat rooms
This is a huge challenge for the security authorities. The conclusions of Neumann: “We have to be stricter with large platforms such as Tiktok and YouTube, where Islamist influencers frolic. We need more “virtual agents” who infiltrate closed chat rooms. Police and intelligence services must be as active there as on the street. Last but not least: we have to become much faster. For this, security authorities need people who feel at home in the virtual environment. And you need technical and digital skills that are better than today.
Peter R. Neumann also strives for this ‘new type’ terrorists and online radicalization in a current book. “The return of terror: how jihadism challenges us” was published last fall.
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.
