Czech authorities have detained five teenagers, most of whom are under 18, who were radicalised online by the Islamic State. Two of the teenagers have been formally charged with terrorism-related offences in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Brno on 29 January 2024, during which a firebomb failed to detonate. Launched in 2023, the investigation was conducted jointly with Austria, the UK, Slovakia, and Europol. Seven raids were carried out, leading to the seizure of knives, machetes, axes, and gas pistols. The suspects were also spreading online hate speech targeting Jews, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minorities and were active in ISIS recruitment networks aimed at Syria. Michal Koudelka, director of the Czech counterintelligence service (BIS), emphasised that the youths were drawn to violent extremist ideology and had no links to the local Muslim community. He warned that ‘the online radicalisation of young people remains a significant and growing threat’.
Massimo Serresi
