Swedish Student Sentenced for Terror Plot Targeting Eurovision
Stockholm, Sweden – November 27, 2024 – A Swedish student has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of planning a terrorist attack against the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmรถ. The รrebro District Court found the 20-year-old man guilty of preparing a terrorist crime, determining he had acquired chemicals and researched how to construct explosives with the intent to target the event.
The case, which unfolded earlier this year, sparked heightened security concerns ahead of Eurovision, one of the world’s largest and most-watched televised events. Prosecutors presented evidence showing the suspect expressed extremist views and actively sought details related to bomb-making. While authorities have not disclosed specific details about the intended target within the Eurovision venue, the court’s verdict confirms a credible threat was neutralized.
The inquiry began in March 2024 after the Swedish Security Service (Sรคpo) received intelligence regarding the suspect’s activities. According to court documents, the man attempted to purchase chemicals that could be used to create explosives, and his online searches included instructions for building improvised explosive devices. He was arrested in April 2024, prior to the contest which took place in may.
“the court considers that the man’s actions were serious and that there was a real risk that he would carry out a terrorist attack,” Judge Anna-Karin Larsson stated during the sentencing.
Eurovision 2024, ultimately won by Nemo of Switzerland, proceeded with increased security measures, including enhanced surveillance and stricter access controls. The incident underscores the ongoing threat of extremist ideologies and the importance of proactive security measures at large-scale public events. The suspect, who has been in custody sence his arrest, has the right to appeal the sentence.
