An Austrian man who admitted plotting to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna nearly two years ago has apologised in court before the verdict in his trial. The defendant, identified only as Beran A in accordance with Austrian privacy laws, faces charges including terrorist offences and membership of a terrorist organisation.
Details of the Plot
The plot was thwarted, but Austrian authorities cancelled Swift's three performances in August 2024 as a precaution. Beran A allegedly planned to target people outside the Ernst Happel Stadium with knives or homemade explosives. Tens of thousands of Swift fans had travelled to attend her record-breaking Eras tour.
Prosecutors revealed that Beran A networked with other members of Islamic State before the planned attack. Discussions included buying weapons and making bombs. The defendant allegedly sought to illegally purchase weapons in the days before the performance and swore allegiance to the group.
Trial Proceedings
Beran A pleaded guilty to charges related to the concert plot on the opening day of the trial in April. He could face up to 20 years in prison. He is on trial alongside Arda K, whose full name has not been made public. A third man remains in pretrial detention in Saudi Arabia. The trio allegedly planned simultaneous attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan 2024 in the name of IS.
Only Beran A was charged in connection with the concert plot. He pleaded not guilty to charges related to the simultaneous attack plot. In closing arguments on Thursday at the state court in Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna, prosecutors called for the men's conviction, according to the Austria Press Agency.
Defence and Apology
Beran A's defence lawyer, Anna Mair, told the court that her client was "not an ideological mastermind". In final words to the court before it adjourned to consider a verdict, Beran A said: "I would just like to say that I am sorry."
