Syrian on trial for Austrian knife attack says he would kill again
A 24-year-old Kurdish Syrian refugee is on trial in Austria for a deadly knife attack that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to five others. During the trial, he expressed a willingness to kill again if given the chance, citing his radicalization through TikTok. He faces serious charges, including murder and terrorism-related offenses, and could receive a life sentence if convicted.
- ▪The defendant admitted to carrying out the attack and pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
- ▪He was arrested immediately after the attack in Villach, Austria, in February last year.
- ▪The trial is taking place under exceptional security measures, with reporters banned from bringing electronic equipment into the courtroom.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Syrian on trial for Austrian knife attack says he would kill againSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 27, 2026, 11:04 PMUpdated May 27, 2026, 11:04 PMVIENNA, May 27 - A 24-year-old Kurdish Syrian refugee who went on trial on Wednesday for a deadly knife attack in the Austrian town of Villach told the court he would kill again if he could, Austrian media attending the trial reported.The defendant, who has not been named, was arrested immediately after killing a 14-year-old boy and wounding five other people in the southern town of Villach with a jackknife in February last year.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.