A 15-year-old boy who plotted a terrorist attack at Vienna’s Westbahnhof train station will be released in just three months, despite being convicted of preparing a jihadist terror attack to kill “Kuffah” (“unbelievers”).
The Vienna Regional Court sentenced him on Monday to 24 months in prison, with 16 months suspended. But, he is likely to be released far earlier than the eight-month custodial sentence, subject to conditions.
The teenager, who had drawn up plans to murder as many “unbelievers” as possible using a machete, was found with detailed sketches of the station, ISIS propaganda, bomb-making instructions, and several knives in his bedroom. His crude drawings showed stick figures being stabbed, labeled “Kuffar.”
A 15-year-old boy goes on trial in Vienna next week for plotting an Islamic State terror attack on Westbahnhof station.
The then-14-year-old is accused of pledging allegiance to IS, building a pipe bomb, and threatening to “slaughter” his teacher.
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As reported by Heute, the judge said the partial suspension of the sentence took into account the boy’s confession and the fact that the attack had not been carried out. “You still need some time to win the fight against your ideology,” the judge said. “That’s why we’re keeping you here for another three months,” adding that the court wanted to respond appropriately rather than punitively.
Conditions have been imposed for his release, including mandatory participation in a deradicalization program, a ban on using TikTok, compulsory schooling or vocational training, and probation. “We want you to be occupied, and to stop having stupid ideas,” the judge said bluntly.
In court, the teen claimed he had abandoned his violent intentions after encountering kindness from psychologists and probation officers. “I planned a bloodbath, but they were good to me,” he said. “I never felt accepted before. Now I am.” He expressed a desire to pursue an apprenticeship in electrical engineering and said he wanted to regain the trust of his disappointed parents.
The Court heard that his radicalization began via TikTok and was deepened by watching extremist preachers online, including German-language sermons that praised Osama bin Laden.
The prosecutor warned that youth and size should not obscure the risk: “He may be slight, small, and young, but precisely such people can be very dangerous under the influence of IS.”
Defense attorney Anna Mair insisted that the boy was not a monster but a manipulated child. “It’s not just about punishment, but about his future,” she said.
The teen was convicted of participating in a terrorist organization, preparing a terrorist offense, and assault. He was acquitted of threatening a teacher due to a lack of evidence.
The verdict is not final and may be appealed by either side.
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