A 21-year-old man has gone on trial in Austria over an alleged plan to attack a concert by Taylor Swift, a threat that prompted the cancellation of her scheduled performances in the country last year.
The suspect, identified as Beran A., appeared in court on Tuesday under heavy security. He has been in custody since his arrest in August 2024 and is facing multiple terrorism-related charges.
Authorities allege that he was involved in a planned attack targeting Swift’s “Eras” tour shows, which were set to take place in Austria during the summer of 2024. The concerts were ultimately called off after security agencies issued warnings about a credible threat.
Prosecutors claim the accused had ties to the extremist group Islamic State and had been active within the organisation since May 2023. They allege he distributed propaganda materials through messaging platforms and publicly expressed support for the group.
According to the charges, the defendant attempted to acquire weapons and worked on assembling an improvised explosive device designed to cause maximum harm. Investigators say he also received guidance from other members of the group on how to handle explosives.
In addition to the alleged plot in Austria, prosecutors say the suspect was linked to planned attacks in cities including Dubai and Istanbul, although those plots were never carried out.
A second defendant, identified as Arda K., is standing trial alongside Beran A., according to local media reports. Prosecutors allege the two men, along with a third suspect currently detained in Saudi Arabia, formed a dangerous terror cell aiming to carry out multiple attacks in the name of IS.
The trial is expected to last four days. If convicted, Beran A. could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Separately, a court in Berlin previously convicted a Syrian teenager in connection with the same plot, handing down an 18-month suspended sentence.
Authorities said the planned attack was successfully prevented with assistance from United States intelligence agencies.
