A court in Austria is expected to deliver its verdict on Thursday in the trial of a man accused of plotting an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna nearly two years ago.
Authorities thwarted the alleged plan before it could be carried out, but officials cancelled the singer’s three scheduled concerts in August 2024 as a precautionary measure.
The accused, a 21-year-old Austrian identified as Beran A. under the country’s privacy laws, faces charges of terrorism and membership in a terrorist organisationreports AP/UNB.
His lawyer said the defendant admitted in court last month to charges linked to the alleged concert attack. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors said Beran A. planned to target crowds gathered outside the Ernst Happel Stadium using knives and improvised explosives during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in Vienna.
Thousands of fans had travelled to the Austrian capital for the shows. Following the cancellations, many gathered in the city centre in solidarity and support for one another.
Beran A. is standing trial alongside another suspect, identified as Arda K., while a third individual connected to the case remains in custody in Saudi Arabia.
Investigators alleged that the group had also planned coordinated attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan in 2024, reportedly in the name of the Islamic State group.
However, prosecutors have charged only Beran A. in connection with the Vienna concert plot. He has denied involvement in the broader alleged plans for simultaneous attacks.
The court is expected to hear final arguments and expert testimony before announcing its verdict, although authorities have not confirmed how long proceedings may continue.
