Accused Partner of Swift Faces Potential Execution in Saudi Arabia
Stabbing Suspect Hasan E. Faces Trial in Saudi Arabia
After being in custody for over a year, the trial for 20-year-old Austrian Hasan E. is set to commence in the upcoming weeks, as reported by "Kurier." Hasan is accused of wielding a knife in a religiously motivated attack at Mecca's Al-Haram Mosque in early March 2024.
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Austria's Foreign Ministry confirmed on April 24, 2025, that their embassy in Riyadh has been in contact with Hasan E. since his arrest and have offered consular assistance, including prison visits. However, they admit that no further details about the ongoing judicial proceedings or expected punishment are currently available due to data protection reasons. The Ministry continues to engage with the Saudi authorities and the suspect's family in the ongoing exchange.
Hasan E. Planned IS Attacks with Foreign Willing Collaborators
Hasan E., a resident of Bruck an der Leitha's district, is implicated in an IS network that was operational in Eastern Austria. Notably, Beran A., who had intended to target a Taylor Swift concert at the Ernst Happel Stadium last August, was also part of this network. Hasan E. and Beran A. share a connection that dates back to May 2023, with the duo maintaining close contact. From February 2024, they are said to have plotted simultaneous attacks in Mecca, Dubai, and Istanbul during the fasting month of Ramadan. Unfortunately, only Hasan E. executed his intended attack, while Beran A. failed to carry out his plan in Dubai and there was no terrorist attack in Istanbul.
Increased Death Penalty Usage in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia carries out the death penalty, the number of which increased significantly in 2024. Human rights organizations reported that 345 executions were conducted, compared to 172 in 2023. The potential penalty for Hasan E., whose trial focuses on religiously motivated attacks in Mecca, could be severe under Saudi law, facing long-term imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on the court's judgment. No concrete sentence details for Hasan E. have been revealed at present.
- The consular department of Austria's Foreign Ministry has been in contact with Hasan E., the Austrian stabbing suspect, since his arrest in Saudi Arabia, offering assistance such as prison visits.
- According to reports, Hasan E. is linked to an IS network active in Eastern Austria, where Beran A., who aimed to attack a Taylor Swift concert, was also a part of this network.
- These two individuals are said to have had a connection since May 2023 and were planning simultaneous attacks in Mecca, Dubai, and Istanbul during Ramadan in 2024.
- Saudi Arabia, known for its harsh penal codes, particularly when it comes to terrorism-related offenses, has seen a significant increase in death penalty usage in 2024, with 345 executions reported compared to 172 in 2023.
- Given the nature of Hasan E.'s case and the focus on religiously motivated attacks in Mecca, he could face severe penalties under Saudi law, ranging from long-term imprisonment to the death penalty, but specific sentence details have yet to be revealed.
