In a recent verdict by a German court, a 15-year-old boy was found guilty for plotting an Islamic extremist attack at a Christmas market and subsequently given a four-year sentence. This conviction took place in the Cologne state court, which stated that the teenage boy was convicted of conspiracy to murder and disturbing public peace by threatening crimes, as per a German news agency dpa report. The proceedings were conducted with utmost discretion, as is required under the juvenile law. In keeping with the German privacy norms, the identity of the defendant remained undisclosed.
The young boy was apprehended in November near Cologne. The court found that he had become radicalized last fall and within a few weeks had formulated plans, along with a 16-year-old acquaintance, to carry out an attack on a Christmas market in Leverkusen.
The plan was for the defendant to drive a rented truck into the market, aiming to kill as many visitors as possible. Meanwhile, his accomplice would document the attack by filming it. The court’s verdict revealed that the defendant had posted a video in a chat group where he announced an impending assault on “infidels.” In the background of this post, there was a visible symbol of the Islamic State group.
Despite Germany’s legal system not having formal pleas, the 15-year-old boy admitted to the charges brought against him in the court proceedings. His alleged accomplice, who is also accused of conspiracy to murder, is expected to face trial on July 17 at Neuruppin, located near Berlin in eastern Germany. The case highlights the growing concern over radicalization and extremist attacks, underscoring the need for vigilance and effective counter-terrorism measures.