Austrian media report that a terrorist attack, allegedly planned by a 14-year-old girl of Montenegrin origin, has been thwarted.
Specifically, Austrian media note that the girl planned an attack on “non-believers” in the heart of Graz, though it is unknown when exactly the attack was supposed to take place.
During a search of the house where she lives in Graz, police investigators seized an axe and a knife, as well as ISIS propaganda material, videos of battles, and executions.
The information about the planned terrorist attack was discovered on social media after a European security body alerted the Austrian police. The girl sent messages to like-minded individuals abroad via Messenger, explaining that she planned to attack “non-believers.” For this, she had prepared cold weapons and all-black clothing, which were confiscated.
During questioning, in the presence of her legal guardian and defense attorney, the 14-year-old did not admit to planning the attack. She has so far refused to provide any information about the suspicions raised by the police. Further investigations are ongoing, and the confiscated evidence has been sent for forensic examination. Additionally, the public prosecutor in Graz ordered that the girl be detained until further notice due to the risk of committing a criminal offense or concealing it.
“The threat situation was very concrete and had to be taken very seriously, otherwise the court would not have ordered pre-trial detention,” a police spokesman stated.
Currently, the investigation is also probing whether the girl has any other “allies” in Graz, aside from her activities with like-minded individuals on the internet.
“The Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Austria takes consistent measures against all forms of extremism,” said Federal Minister of Internal Affairs Gerhard Karner on Saturday, in reaction to the police action, adding: “I particularly thank the investigators of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism. Their efforts have prevented an extremist attack.”, Klix.ba writes.
