An Austrian court on Thursday sentenced a 21-year-old man to 15 years in prison after he admitted planning a foiled Islamist-inspired attack targeting a concert by Taylor Swift in Vienna in 2024. The court found him guilty of multiple terrorism-related offences following proceedings in Wiener Neustadt, south of the Austrian capital.

The accused, identified in court documents as Beran A in line with Austrian privacy rules, was arrested on August 7, 2024, a day before the first of three scheduled shows in Vienna. The planned concerts were subsequently cancelled, prompting disappointment among fans and the singer, who later described the situation as “devastating.” The case has since become one of the most closely followed terrorism trials linked to a major entertainment event in Austria.

Prosecutors said Beran A attempted to acquire weapons, including a machine gun and a hand grenade, and had studied instructions linked to an Islamic State video on making explosives, including triacetone triperoxide (TATP). The court also examined evidence relating to broader extremist intent, concluding that the accused had taken concrete steps toward preparing an attack before his arrest prevented its execution.

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During the trial, the defendant admitted to earlier violent intent in separate incidents in 2024, including travelling to Dubai and Istanbul where he claimed he initially sought to carry out attacks but abandoned them after experiencing panic. He also told the court he had searched for potential victims in Dubai before deciding not to proceed. Prosecutors further alleged links between him and another individual accused in a separate case in Saudi Arabia, though the defence denied any material support.

A co-defendant, Arda K, was also convicted in the same trial and sentenced to 12 years in prison. The court found both men guilty on the majority of charges, including terrorism-related offences, though defence lawyers argued they were not ideological leaders or organisers. The panel ultimately rejected those arguments, concluding the defendants bore responsibility for their actions.

In his final statement, Beran A apologised for his conduct, while his lawyer argued he was not a mastermind or leader of any organised plot. Prosecutors, however, maintained that the case demonstrated a credible and deliberate attempt to target a high-profile public event, underscoring ongoing concerns about lone-actor radicalisation and security risks at mass gatherings in Europe.

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