Cologne regional court 16 year-old in terrorism trial

Cologne · A Syrian youth is standing trial in Cologne accused of preparing a terror attack. IS supposedly incited the refugee to carry out the attack.

A young Syrian asylum seeker is to appear before the Cologne regional court from this Monday to answer charges of preparing a terrorist attack. The 16-year-old was captured by a special unit last September. The public prosecutor’s office is proceeding on the assumption he was planning an explosives attack.

The youth is alleged to have obtained specific instructions on bomb building from a foreign chatroom partner with connections to IS. During a search of his accommodation in September 2016, police found a battery carrier with wires hanging out, a packet with 70 sewing needles and a butane gas cartridge. State prosecutors say he was therefore in possession of materials from which he could have made explosive devices at any time. He is charged with preparing a serious act of violence against the state. Four days have been allocated to the trial. The accused could face up to five years in youth custody.

His lawyer said the youth had been staying in a psychiatric clinic for the last few weeks, although it is unclear whether he really is mentally ill. The youth fled from the war in Syria with his parents and his sister and came to a refugee home in Cologne after being temporarily housed in Dülmen. Police were given vital information about him by local mosques.

(Original text: dpa. Translated by Kate Carey)

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