Austria monitors dozens of high-risk Islamist terror suspects, average age drops

Austria is actively monitoring a low three-digit number of individuals deemed high-risk for Islamist terrorism, according to Sylvia Mayer, head of state protection. These individuals are considered "ready to kill," and concerns are mounting over their increasing youth and rapid radicalization.

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One can only be glad that they are not technically proficient enough to actually implement bomb plans.

Experts highlighted a stark trend: the average age of these high-risk individuals has plummeted from 31 in 2020 to 23 last year. The issue also affects minors, with 13-year-olds engaging in planning attacks, and a notable presence of girls among those radicalized. While 90 percent of high-risk individuals are male, the overall age demographic is a significant concern.

Deradicalization expert Moussa Al-Hassan Diaw noted that authorities are investigating specific threats, such as those around the Eurovision Song Contest where six people were arrested, though no concrete plans for the event itself were found. He cautioned against downplaying the threat, stating, "One can only be glad that they are not technically proficient enough to actually implement bomb plans."

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We also have people who are not of legal age to be prosecuted. 13-year-olds just the same. Incidentally, there are also many girls among them.

The discussion also touched upon potential preventative measures like electronic ankle monitoring for individuals released from custody. However, the effectiveness is questioned, as one case involved a released individual immediately rejoining their former associates, highlighting the challenge of preventing recidivism, particularly when individuals return to their old social circles. The role of online platforms like TikTok and Telegram in pre-radicalization was also emphasized.

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In the moment a low three-digit number.