Czech Authorities Detain Five Teenagers Over Radicalization and Synagogue Fire Attempt

Czech authorities have detained five teenagers suspected of being radicalized online by the militant group Daesh, with two of them facing terror-related charges after allegedly attempting to set a synagogue on fire. Officials announced the developments on Wednesday.

Břetislav Brejcha, head of the Czech counterterrorism, extremism, and cybercrime department, stated that most of the suspects are under 18 years old. The teenagers were detained between February and June following an international investigation that began last year.

The suspects reportedly promoted hate content on social media targeting minorities, specific communities, and Jews. During seven police raids across the Czech Republic and Austria, authorities confiscated weapons including knives, machetes, axes, and gas pistols.

Brejcha revealed that on January 29, 2024, two of the suspects attempted to set a synagogue in Brno, the country’s second-largest city, on fire, although he did not provide further details. In the following month, Czech media reported an arson attempt at the same synagogue, with police searching for witnesses. Reports indicated that the suspects placed a firebomb outside the synagogue, which did not explode, and no damage was reported.

The charges against the suspects include hate crimes, promoting and supporting terrorism, and attempting a terror attack. Brejcha also noted that the teenagers were involved in online groups recruiting fighters for Daesh in Syria. Czech authorities collaborated with law enforcement agencies in Austria, Britain, Slovakia, and Europol in handling the case.