Trial Against Villach Attacker Set to Start in Spring 2026

Following the terrorist attack in Villach in February, where a 14-year-old was killed and five people were seriously injured, the indictment against the attacker, a 23-year-old Syrian, is now final. He is accused of terrorist crimes such as murder and attempted murder. The trial is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2026, the Klagenfurt Regional Court announced on Tuesday.

Accused Faces Life Imprisonment

The man is accused of "committing terrorist crimes, specifically the partly attempted, partly completed crimes of murder, which were capable of causing a serious disruption of public life," according to the regional court. For the specific offenses - murder and attempted murder, terrorist association, and criminal organization - the 23-year-old faces up to 20 years or a life sentence. The man acted "with the intent to intimidate the civilian population, which does not follow the goals of the terrorist organization Islamic State, in a serious way."

The jury trial against the 23-year-old will take place under special security measures. A trial date has not yet been set, but a date in the spring of 2026 is being sought.

Stabbed Young Men in Villach

On February 15, the 23-year-old Syrian stabbed men and male youths in downtown Villach with a folding knife with a blade length of ten centimeters. He was only stopped when he was hit by a car driven by a food delivery driver, who also came from Syria. The 23-year-old was arrested without resistance. He has been in pre-trial detention under the strictest security measures since then.

(APA/Red)

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