"Has Cried a Lot": How the 7-Year-Old Son of the Former Vienna IS Supporter is Doing

The boy is currently "very sad because his mother is not with him," said Pöschmann. The Regional Court for Criminal Matters, at the request of the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office, has imposed pre-trial detention on the 26-year-old due to the risk of committing an offense, which is initially valid until March 17. Evelyn T. is being investigated for terrorist association and criminal organization. She joined the terrorist organization "Islamic State" (IS) in 2016, went to Syria, and gave birth to her son there. After the Kurds' victory over IS, she was interned with the child in Camp Roj - a detention camp in northeastern Syria. Since 2017, the two lived under inhumane conditions in the notorious tent camp.

Seven-Year-Old "Initially Cried a Lot"

The seven-year-old was apparently not prepared for being separated from his mother upon arrival in Austria at Vienna-Schwechat Airport. The 26-year-old was taken into custody by police officers in the arrival hall under the execution of an active arrest warrant. Two MA-11 employees - the authority had been informed of the two's entry - took care of the boy during and after this, "who initially cried a lot," as Pöschmann described. In the facility where he is now accommodated - MA 11 has taken temporary custody - the boy has connected with other children and is integrating into daily life. He is being cared for by psychologists and social workers. Medical checks have also already taken place to clarify the child's health condition.

Regarding the seven-year-old's language skills, it was stated to the APA: "He understands Arabic." To what extent German or English skills - possibly in rudimentary form - are present is "under clarification."

"Risk Assessment" on Where the Boy Will Grow Up

The same applies to the question of "where the seven-year-old will live and grow up in the long term," as Pöschmann stated: "We are forming a picture of the family resources." The boy's grandmother has come forward and is willing to take in and care for the boy. Whether this will happen in the best interest of the child is now being examined in the form of a "risk assessment," said Pöschmann. This process will take "a few weeks." It must also be considered "how things will proceed with the mother and whether she will remain in custody," outlined the MA-11 spokeswoman.

"The family is ready to take in the son. From the family's perspective, handing over the son into their care is urgently required in terms of the child's welfare," recently stated Vienna lawyer Anna Mair, who legally represents Evelyn T. The 26-year-old hopes for a reunion with her son soon. She is "the only reference person for the seven-year-old," Mair pointed out.

Son of Evelyn T.: Currently No Indications of Radicalization

It is completely open what psychological traces growing up in the internment camp for IS prisoners has left on the seven-year-old. "Such an environment does something to a child," is acknowledged at MA 11. In this context, the Child and Youth Welfare does not shy away from the question of whether and to what extent the years of living among - at least former - IS supporters have influenced the boy and whether he possibly carries corresponding ideologies. "Currently, there is no indication of radicalization in him," emphasized MA-11 spokeswoman Pöschmann in conclusion.

(APA/Red.)

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