- Allegations of IS membership against terror suspects in Vienna
In Vienna, two suspects have been arrested on charges of belonging to a terrorist organization and a criminal organization. They are accused of having ties to the Islamic State (IS) terror network and supporting its goals and intentions, according to a spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office, as reported by the Austrian Press Agency (APA).
The 19-year-old suspect allegedly planned an attack outside the stadium where US pop star Taylor Swift was scheduled to perform in front of more than 60,000 fans. Swift's three concerts in Vienna this week were canceled due to security concerns, disappointing tens of thousands of fans. However, no further suspects are being sought by the police.
The second suspect is 17 years old and worked as a stage and scaffold builder at the stadium where Swift's concert was to take place. He was arrested there and is a friend of the 19-year-old.
The 19-year-old's plans were advanced, with instructions for making bombs and 12% hydrogen peroxide found in his possession, which can be used to make highly explosive liquid explosive with other chemicals. He had worked at a chemical company. Also seized were ignition devices, ignition cables, ignition systems, knives, machetes, and 21,000 euros in counterfeit money.
During questioning, the 19-year-old reportedly said he intended to kill as many people as possible outside the stadium using an explosive device and melee weapons. However, the lawyer for the 17-year-old, Nikolas Rast of the APA, stated that the teenager had no involvement in the attack plans and was unaware of his friend's radicalization.
Although the 17-year-old was released, police reportedly found IS and Al-Qaeda propaganda material in his possession. Additionally, he attended a mosque that promoted Islamic extremist content. A 15-year-old was questioned as a witness and not detained. He is said to have implicated the 19-year-old.
The APA news agency also reported that IS and Al-Qaeda propaganda material was found in the possession of the 17-year-old suspect, raising concerns about his association with extremist groups. The arrests and discoveries were made by the Austrian authorities, as reported by The APA news agency.
