Title: Terror Plot Against Swedish Church: Brothers Face Prison Time in Hamburg Trial
In the Hamburg trial for two Syrian brothers accused of plotting a terror attack in Sweden, the public prosecutor has pushed for severe punishment. The 29-year-old was charged with preparing a deadly act of violence endangering the state and financing terrorism, while his younger brother, five years his junior, faced charges for aiding and abetting terror financing.
Senior public prosecutor Ulf Bornemann made the case for a six-year prison term for the older brother in front of the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court in Hamburg. Bornemann claimed that his client had finalized plans to carry out a radical Islamist-motivated attack, potentially using an explosive belt, in the spring of 2022 or later. The primary goal was to inflict as much harm and loss of life as possible.
Initially, the accused had considered targeting a venue with bars or discos in proximity. However, a contact person who posed as an Islamic State (IS) associate suggested a church in Sweden as a better target, citing Korean burnings as a motivator. While the specific church and timing remained unclear, the brothers had been actively planning the attack.
The public prosecutor's office argued that the younger brother played an active role in procuring necessary materials for the attack. However, during the trial, he maintained that he was unaware of the specifics. Bornemann responded that the chats, phone calls, materials already purchased, and the brother's detailed confession made it clear that he had been fully in the loop.
The older brother was arrested in Hamburg, while the younger brother was apprehended in Kempten, Allgäu. Both have remained in custody ever since.
The brothers were also originally charged with attempted membership in a terrorist organization abroad or supporting one. However, Bornemann explained that clarifying the identity and connection of the IS associate, known as "Emir," proved challenging. As a result, the charges were limited to only the other accusations.
Additional Insights:
According to reports, in Germany, between 2017 and 2021, there were at least 160 terrorism-related trials, resulting in accusations being proven in 102 instances. Worryingly, the number has been on the rise, with a total of 242 suspects facing charges related to Islamist terrorism alone.
Following a series of Koran burnings, Scandinavian countries have faced an increased threat of terrorism. This incident in Hamburg highlights the ripple effect of such actions, exacerbating tensions and motivating radical individuals to engage in violence.
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