Attack Planned on Israeli Embassy in Vienna: 18-Year-Old in Pre-Trial Detention

Since April 11, an 18-year-old has been in pre-trial detention at the Vienna-Josefstadt prison because he allegedly planned specific attacks in the name of the radical Islamic terrorist militia "Islamic State" (IS) against the Israeli embassy in Vienna and the Islamic Center Imam Ali in Vienna-Floridsdorf. Both the Ministry of the Interior and the young man's legal representative confirmed to the APA on Wednesday evening a report by the "Kronen Zeitung" (online edition).

Foreign Intelligence Service Provided Tip on 18-Year-Old

The decisive tip on the terror suspect once again came from a foreign intelligence service. The arrest took place on April 9, and two days later, pre-trial detention was imposed by the regional court for criminal matters due to the risk of committing the offense, explained Michael Babic (Rast/Musliu law firm), the legal representative of the 18-year-old, in a conversation with the APA. The public prosecutor's office is investigating for terrorist association.

Bomb Dummy and Explosive Vest Secured

The 18-year-old with Egyptian roots is said to have shared radical content online, acquired knowledge of explosives, and possessed an explosive vest. During a house search, an allegedly well-hidden bomb dummy was discovered in his children's room. "What was secured were a sports belt and two components with cables attached and nothing more," Babic countered. Neither explosives nor weapons or other dangerous items were found, nor any IS insignia or propaganda material indicating IS.

"He is really a clever guy, a good student. He has nothing to do with IS," assured Babic. There is no radical Islamist sentiment in the entire family of the 18-year-old.

Incriminating Image Material

The 18-year-old is incriminated by photos that, according to the "Kronen Zeitung," were distributed in an encrypted social media channel and are said to show the accused. In one, a young man with a machete and a rifle is seen in front of a Mecca wall picture. "This is a mistake," claims the legal representative of the 18-year-old, "that is not him." In another photo, the young man poses with his right hand raised with an outstretched index finger - the so-called Tawhid gesture is misused by Islamist groups as a sign of recognition. "He imitated that because he saw a video on YouTube," his legal representative explained. The meaning was not clear to the 18-year-old.

The 18-year-old "certainly did not pursue attack plans," Babic emphasized in conclusion. An IS connection of his client cannot be "derived from the file and the chat histories."

(APA/Red)

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