Seven charged over terror plot in Germany

 

TT

 

Published 15.44

 

One of the accused is transported by helicopter after being arrested in Germany in early October last year. Photo: Philipp von Ditfurth/AP/TT

Seven men with suspected links to Hamas have been charged in Germany with plotting a terrorist attack.

The planned attack was intended to take place last year, on the anniversary of the Hamas terror attack of October 7, 2023, in Israel. However, three of the men were arrested days before the intended strike, which prosecutors say was to have targeted "Israeli representatives, people of the Jewish faith, or Israeli citizens."

According to the indictment, the two German citizens initially arrested are suspected of having been recruited by Hamas representatives. A Danish national, a Bulgarian national, and three Lebanese nationals reportedly joined the group later. All seven remain in custody.

Another man, arrested in London last year, is suspected of having been the group's leader. He has not yet been extradited. Prosecutors allege that he transported weapons to Vienna and recorded a video in which he claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack on behalf of Hamas.