Action Against Islamist Extremism: Arrest and House Searches

Items seized included mobile phones, data carriers, laptops, as well as a samurai sword and various documents, according to a press release.

The Directorate of State Protection and Intelligence Service (DSN), together with the State Offices for State Protection and Counter-Extremism (LSE) and police forces, conducted five court-approved house searches in Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg. The accused include a 16-year-old, two 18-year-olds, a 19-year-old, a 25-year-old, and a 50-year-old person.

The six individuals are suspected of committing crimes related to terrorism and extremism in Austria, such as membership in a criminal organization, membership in a terrorist organization, incitement to terrorist offenses, and approval of terrorist offenses. One of them was arrested. Additionally, twelve risk assessments and three suspect interrogations were conducted, with actions also taking place in Carinthia, Styria, and Salzburg. The results of the searches are still being reviewed and evaluated, and the interrogations are ongoing.

Cell Searches in Correctional Facilities

The Ministry of Justice also conducted 571 cell searches in all Austrian correctional facilities. According to the press release, a total of 966 incarcerated individuals were searched, 180 of whom were in connection with the Anti-Terrorism Act. A small number of unauthorized items were found, such as electronic communication devices and substances suspected of being drugs.

During "Joint Action Days," the DSN coordinates focused police actions through the collaboration of various forces or organizational units at the national level. Last year, measures against right-wing extremism were the focus, and there have also been actions against hate crime and illegal arms trafficking in the past.

"Islamist threats are consistently neutralized and held accountable by the intelligence service," said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) in a press release. "The measures taken yesterday were intensively prepared and implemented in close cooperation with the judiciary." Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) also emphasized the cooperation of the authorities: "The success of the Joint Action Day clearly shows how effective a well-coordinated approach by public prosecutors, security authorities, and correctional facilities is in the fight against terrorism."

(APA/Red)

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