Two thirds of terror suspects in Western Europe are teenagers
Published: Friday, Aug 23rd 2024, 05:00
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Terrorists have become younger. This can also be seen in Switzerland, said terror expert Peter Neumann in the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" on Friday. The expert describes a new type of self-radicalized young attacker, which he calls Tiktok terrorists.
For a book that will be published in September, the Professor of Security Studies at King's College London (UK) has recorded all those arrested on suspicion of terrorism in Western Europe since October 2023. Two thirds of the almost 60 people are teenagers aged between 13 and 19.
"This is new. Ten years ago, this age group was an exception, now it's the rule," Neumann was quoted as saying. In addition, these suspects are radicalizing themselves online, without even a person like a preacher to provide the final impetus for the act.
Radicalization begins on large platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram and later shifts to closed groups on platforms such as Telegram.
"The new pattern is also evident in Switzerland," the expert continued. As examples, he cited the perpetrator who stabbed an orthodox Jew in Zurich in March and the arrests in Schaffhausen and Thurgau at Easter.
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