Austrian who planned Islamist attack on Taylor Swift concert gets 15 years in prison
An Austrian man, Beran A, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for planning an Islamist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. He was found guilty of terrorism-related offenses after attempting to acquire weapons and following instructions from an Islamic State video. The planned attack led to the cancellation of the concert, disappointing many fans.
- ▪Beran A was arrested on August 7, 2024, the day before the concert.
- ▪He pleaded guilty to charges related to the planned attack, which carried a maximum sentence of 20 years.
- ▪The jury found him guilty on almost all charges, including attempting to produce explosives.
- ▪His co-defendant, Arda K, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in the plot.
- ▪Both defendants' lawyers are considering whether to appeal the sentences.
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Austrian who planned Islamist attack on Taylor Swift concert gets 15 years in prisonSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe Austrian defendant identified as Beran A is escorted by security personnel in a courtroom for his trial in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on May 28.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 29, 2026, 08:00 AMUpdated May 29, 2026, 08:00 AMWIENER NEUSTADT, Austria - An Austrian court on May 28 sentenced a 21-year-old man who admitted planning a foiled Islamist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024 to 15 years in prison, finding him guilty of various, mainly terrorism-related offences.Beran A, whose last name has not been made public in accordance with Austrian privacy rules, was arrested on Aug 7, 2024, the day before the first of three planned concerts…
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