An Austrian was sentenced to 15 years for planning an attack on Taylor Swift's concert in Vienna
On May 28, an Austrian court found a man guilty who nearly two years ago planned an attack on Taylor Swift's concert in Vienna. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, reports AP.
The regional court in Wiener Neustadt, south of Austria's capital, found the 21-year-old citizen guilty on several charges, including those related to planning an attack on the concert. Although the plot was foiled, Austrian authorities still canceled three Taylor Swift concerts scheduled for August 2024.
The defendant's lawyer stated that Beran A. admitted his guilt on the first day of the trial last month on charges related to planning the attack on the concert.
Before the court went into deliberation to issue the verdict, the defendant said: "I just want to say that I am sorry."
According to the investigation, Beran A. planned to attack people near the Ernst Happel Stadium using knives or homemade explosive devices.
The investigation also established that Beran A. maintained contacts with members of the terrorist group "Islamic State." Prosecutors stated that he discussed acquiring weapons and making explosives, attempted to illegally purchase weapons ahead of the concerts, and pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization.
During a search of his apartment on August 7, 2024, law enforcement found materials for making bombs. The concerts were scheduled to begin the very next day.
Beran A. stood trial alongside another 21-year-old defendant — Arda K. They, along with a third man — Hasan E., who was arrested and remains in custody.
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