Czech Authorities Detain Teens Over Online Radicalization by Daesh and Charge Two With Terror Plot
Five teenagers detained for radicalization; two charged over synagogue arson attempt.
Czech authorities have detained five teenagers for their online radicalization by the militant group Daesh, with two of them charged with terror-related crimes following an alleged attempt to set fire to a synagogue.
According to Břetislav Brejcha, director of the Czech counterterrorism, extremism, and cybercrime department, most of the suspects are under 18 years old and were detained between February and June as part of an international investigation initiated last year.The detainees have been accused of promoting hate content on social media targeting minorities, specific communities, and Jews.
Police conducted raids in both the Czech Republic and Austria, seizing weapons including knives, machetes, axes, and gas pistols during their operations.On January 29, 2024, two of the suspects attempted to set a synagogue in Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, on fire.
Although no further details were provided, Czech media reported that there was an arson attempt in February where suspects placed a firebomb outside the synagogue; however, it failed to explode and did not cause any damage.Charges against them include hate crimes, terrorism promotion and support, and an attempt to carry out a terror attack.
Additionally, the suspects are believed to have been involved in online activities aimed at recruiting fighters for Daesh in Syria.
Czech authorities collaborated with counterparts in Austria, Britain, Slovakia, as well as Europol, in their investigation.Michal Koudelka, head of the Czech counterintelligence agency BIS, stated that all five shared a fascination with violence and hatred towards Jews and others.
It is believed they were radicalized after being approached by Daesh members online.Online radicalization of youth is considered an extremely dangerous trend by the authorities; however, it has been emphasized that the suspects had no connection to the local Muslim community.
According to Břetislav Brejcha, director of the Czech counterterrorism, extremism, and cybercrime department, most of the suspects are under 18 years old and were detained between February and June as part of an international investigation initiated last year.The detainees have been accused of promoting hate content on social media targeting minorities, specific communities, and Jews.
Police conducted raids in both the Czech Republic and Austria, seizing weapons including knives, machetes, axes, and gas pistols during their operations.On January 29, 2024, two of the suspects attempted to set a synagogue in Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, on fire.
Although no further details were provided, Czech media reported that there was an arson attempt in February where suspects placed a firebomb outside the synagogue; however, it failed to explode and did not cause any damage.Charges against them include hate crimes, terrorism promotion and support, and an attempt to carry out a terror attack.
Additionally, the suspects are believed to have been involved in online activities aimed at recruiting fighters for Daesh in Syria.
Czech authorities collaborated with counterparts in Austria, Britain, Slovakia, as well as Europol, in their investigation.Michal Koudelka, head of the Czech counterintelligence agency BIS, stated that all five shared a fascination with violence and hatred towards Jews and others.
It is believed they were radicalized after being approached by Daesh members online.Online radicalization of youth is considered an extremely dangerous trend by the authorities; however, it has been emphasized that the suspects had no connection to the local Muslim community.
