An Austrian court on Wednesday sentenced a 24-year-old Syrian Kurd refugee to life in prison for a terrorist knife attack that killed a teenage boy and wounded five others. The convicted man showed no remorse, stating he was prepared to carry out such an act again at any time.
Background of the Attack
The attack occurred on February 15, 2025, in Villach, southern Austria. The refugee, who had been granted asylum in 2020, carried out the assault in the name of the Islamic State group (Daesh). A 14-year-old boy lost his life, and five other passers-by under the age of 33 were injured.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The criminal court in Klagenfurt unanimously found the defendant guilty of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and terrorist offenses. The prosecution requested the maximum sentence, citing the defendant's prior record, the element of surprise in his modus operandi, the presence of minors among the victims, his lack of remorse, the religious motive, and the risk of repeat attacks.
Christian Liebhauser-Karl, spokesman for the court, told AFP that the defendant stated he was prepared to commit the crime again. After his arrest, the man told police he regretted not achieving his aim of killing at least 10 people and dying during the operation.
The verdict is not final, as the public prosecutor's office has three days to lodge an appeal, although the convicted man has waived his right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Radicalization and Background
The man was granted asylum in Austria in 2020 to escape conscription. He became radicalized rapidly from 2024 onwards by watching videos on TikTok. Two days before the attack, he pledged allegiance to Daesh.
Heroic Intervention
During the attack, the assailant was overpowered by a food delivery driver, also originally from Syria, who rammed him with his vehicle, preventing further casualties.
This incident echoes a previous attack in 2020, when another man claiming allegiance to Daesh opened fire in central Vienna, killing four people.
