A man accused of planning an attack targeting a performance by Taylor Swift in Austria is set to plead guilty ahead of a major trial opening in Wiener Neustadt.
Beran Aliji, 21, faces terrorism-related charges linked to an alleged plot uncovered in August 2024, which led to the cancellation of three concerts in Vienna. Prosecutors say he was a supporter of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group and had been preparing an attack that could have targeted large crowds. More than 195,000 people had been expected to attend the shows.
Authorities allege that Aliji obtained instructions on how to construct an explosive device and sought to acquire weapons—including firearms and a hand grenade—through illicit channels. He is also accused of spreading propaganda linked to the terrorist group. His lawyer has indicated that he intends to plead guilty to the charges.
A second suspect, identified as Arda K., is also on trial, accused of involvement in the same network. Each man could face 20 years in prison if convicted.
Last year, German prosecutors charged a teenager, referred to as “Mohammad A,” with preparing a “severe subversive act of violence” and supporting a foreign terrorist organisation. He is accused of translating bomb-making instructions from Arabic and sending them to Aliji, who was 19 at the time.
Investigators say contact details for Mohammad A. were later found among Aliji’s possessions, prompting further inquiries. Prosecutors allege that by April 2024, Mohammad A. had adopted IS ideology and sent a message containing a loyalty oath to the group to an associate in Austria.
