Schach genius as a suspect: Cobra storms children's rooms in Vienna!

Schach genius as a suspect: Cobra storms children's rooms in Vienna!

On April 23, 2025, an 18-year-old Maturant from Vienna was arrested under the suspicion of terrorism. The young man, who is considered a school pupil and talented chess player, is planning attacks on the Israeli embassy and a Shiite center, according to the authorities. The special forces of the Cobra were arrested in a Turkish book business after a foreign intelligence service informed the Austrian state protection authorities, reports Cosmo.

During the search of his youth room, the investigators found a reproduction of an explosive device that was made of toy components and a weight vest. In addition, stressful chat courses, videos of radical preachers and instructions for the production of explosive bodies were discovered on his mobile phone. Under the pseudonym "Abu Layeth", the suspect spread extremist content on the Internet and is said to have had knowledge of explosive technology. In addition, stressful pictures were found that show him with a machete and a firearm together with an IS flag.

The assessment of the defense

The suspect himself denies the allegations and describes his activities as a "joke" and provocation. His lawyer describes him as a harmless youth who is currently preparing for his Matura. However, the young man could be confronted with several years in prison, while the investigation continues. In the recent past, the authorities have already suspected several young people under suspicion of terrorism, whereby many of these arrests are connected to Islamist radicalization processes. In 2024, about six young people were arrested in similar contexts in Austria.

It is worrying that around 30 percent of the suspects come from the school environment and have so far had no criminal history. Extremist networks use modern technologies, especially encrypted messenger services and social media, for recruiting young people. Similar attack plans of young suspects against Israeli institutions have been thwarted in several European countries, as indications of security authorities show.

Social perspectives and research

The topic of radicalization of young people is not only a national, but also a problem for society as a whole. It is important to research the causes and effects of these phenomena. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports research on extremism and radicalization. The measures aim to develop recommendations for action for civil society and political education. In research, both basic and practical approaches are pursued to achieve a better understanding of the background, dynamics and forms of violence and extremism BMBF.

An interdisciplinary approach is required to analyze the complex relationships between radicalization and social perception as well as the influence of discrimination. The empirical studies show that anti -Semitic, right -wing extremists and racist attitudes in society are widespread and can play an important role in the radicalization process of young people. This is also discussed in the comprehensive research reports of the Federal Center for Political Education, in which radicalization is presented as an increasingly urgent problem that affects all areas of society.