Extremism - Terrorist proceedings initiated against Paris knife attacker
Terrorist proceedings have been initiated against the radicalized Islamist attacker in Paris who stabbed a German to death and injured two other people. The 26-year-old is being investigated for murder and attempted murder with a terrorist background, the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office in Paris announced. The suspect has been remanded in custody and is being isolated.
The attacker stabbed a 23-year-old German tourist and injured two other people not far from the Eiffel Tower on Saturday evening. The police arrested the man shortly afterwards. Investigators came across a video in which the attacker swears allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist militia. After his arrest, the suspect stated that he could no longer bear the deaths of Muslims in both Afghanistan and Palestine. He expressed the view that France was partly to blame for Israel's war in the Gaza Strip.
The attacker is said to have cited an IS appeal at the end of October, in which its sympathizers were encouraged to attack Jewish targets, as the trigger for his attack, the newspaper "Le Parisien" reported on Wednesday evening, referring to the police interrogation. According to the report, the attacker had initially targeted a memorial for Jewish children deported and murdered during the Second World War at the Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris. However, he then decided to attack near the symbolic Eiffel Tower.
The attacker, who was classified by the authorities as an Islamist threat, had already been sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning an attack. He also suffered from mental health problems.
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- Following the terrorist stabbing near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, which resulted in the death of a German tourist and injuries to two others, authorities have identified extremism as a potential motivation.
- In light of the ongoing threats of terrorism and criminality, emergency response measures and security enhancements are being reviewed in populated areas like Germany and France, especially in locations like the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris.
- The investigation into the Paris knife attacker revealed links to extremist groups and movements, further highlighting the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism worldwide.
- German authorities have issued a travel advisory for Paris, warning citizens to be vigilant and avoid crowded places, such as tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, due to the increased risk of terrorism and emergencies.
Source: www.stern.de
