Swiss court convicts 19-year-old over IS support and attack plans

Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona has convicted a 19-year-old of supporting a terrorist organisation, preparing to commit murder and possessing violent depictions, SRF reported. He received a two-year-and-six-month prison sentence, with six months unconditional. The ruling can be appealed.

The court found that the Swiss-Turkish dual national had planned a knife attack against randomly selected victims. According to the court, he obtained relevant instructions, deliberately connected with like-minded people and ordered a suitable knife online.

He intended to carry out the attack in the name of the so-called Islamic State, or IS, and supported the organisation, including financially.

SRF reported that the man’s radicalisation began when he was a minor, during a period of personal difficulties. He had a troubled family situation, left school and became socially isolated. He first developed an interest in Islam before turning to Islamist propaganda and later communicating directly with other IS supporters through encrypted chats.

The court largely followed the position of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. Because the six-month unconditional sentence corresponds to the time he has already spent in pretrial detention, he will not have to return to prison if he complies with the conditions. During the probation period, he must take part in a deradicalisation programme and continue his psychotherapy. He was acquitted on several additional counts.