The Czech police, in cooperation with the Security Information Service (BIS), revealed a group of five suspects of support and promotion of terrorism. They were radicalized on social networks where they spread hateful content against minorities, approved Islamist terrorist attacks and promoted jihadism. They also tried to ignite the synagogue in Brno.
Young Czechs were attracted to the Islamic State’s recruiters to fight in Syria on social networks. Police and BIS announced this on Wednesday at a press conference, reports TASR rapporteur in Prague.
The director of the National Headquarters against Terrorism, Extremism and Cyber Crime (NCTEKK) Břetislav Brejcha stated that suspects from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and the United Kingdom worked as part of this international event. They were detained in the Czech Republic by five, of which one person has so far been pursuing custody. He noted that the perpetrators are about 18 years old. During house searches, the police secured cool weapons, gas gun, military equipment and other religious objects. Although the suspects did not form an organized group, they were in online contact, the police added.
Online radicalization of young people
An important role in clarifying the case was played by Czech counterintelligence. Its boss Michal Koudelka said that online radicalization is a serious phenomenon and is currently facing many European countries, including the Czech Republic. “This particular case concerns online radicalization of young people, mostly Czech citizens who did not know each other, but linked their fascination with force and hatred for the LGBT community, Jews and many others,” he said.
They then searched for such hateful videos and lyrics on the Internet, especially on Tiktok, Instagram and Telegram. “So, step by step, these young people got into groups on social networks where Islam is being discussed in various contexts. And there they were contacted by the Islamic State religious and transferred them to another platform where they were gradually radicalized,” added BIS chief.
The attractions of the Islamic State
According to the director of NCTEKK Brejch, the recruiters of the young Czechs also attracted the words: “Come to fight for us, you will experience better experiences than in Call of Duty.” The popular shooting game was originally intended only for computers, today it is also available on playing consoles. He added that Islamist recruiters are already targeting children around the age of 15.
In addition to this particular case, he pointed out that there are increasing threats by violence in schools. Since the beginning of the year, the Czech police have been dealing with almost 200 such incidents.
Koudelka stressed that everyone who is manipulated on social networks should realize that those who manipulate them only consider them to be a consumable for disposal. He called on any victims who have already reached such a situation and do not know what to do to contact them. “Leave what you do and contact us – the BIS or the police. We will help you and guarantee you safety and discretion. We can protect you from those who want to abuse you and help you return to normal life.
