An Austrian court on Thursday convicted a 21-year-old Islamist of plotting an attack at a Vienna concert by US singer Taylor Swift in 2024, sentencing him to 15 years in prison for forming a terror cell and planning a jihadist massacre.

The defendant, identified as Beran A. under Austrian privacy laws, is an Austrian citizen of North Macedonian descent. Before the court adjourned for a verdict, he apologized, saying, 'I would just like to say that I am sorry.'

In April, Beran A. admitted to planning an attack on the Ernst Happel Stadium, which was set to host three Swift performances during her 'Eras' tour. Prosecutors said he planned to use knives and a bomb to kill fans in a jihad-inspired attack.

Prior to the planned attack, Beran A. allegedly communicated with members of the Islamic State group about purchasing weapons and making bombs. In the days before the concert, he sought to illegally acquire weapons and swore allegiance to the militant group.

He was arrested on August 7, 2024, the day before Swift's first scheduled concert in Vienna. Authorities found bomb-making materials in his apartment. All three concerts were subsequently canceled, which Swift described as 'devastating.'

Source: www.dw.com