Man Arrested on Terror Charges in Trieste

Trieste: A 25-year-old Pakistani man was arrested on terrorism charges in Trieste on Friday, police said. The suspect allegedly searched online for material inspired by jihadism and shared it on social media platforms through profiles linked to him, which had a significant following.

According to Ansa News Agency, the man demonstrated sympathy for global jihad groups and declared his membership in the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS). He had also attempted to purchase firearms online and showed interest in learning techniques for assembling homemade explosive devices.

He faces charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism, including international terrorism, training for activities aimed at terrorism, and incitement to commit a crime. The charges are aggravated by the use of computer and electronic means to commit the crime.

The arrest was executed by the Carabinieri of the ROS Special Operations Unit, with assistance from the Trieste Provincial Carabinieri Command and operational support from the 13th Friuli Venezia Giulia Regiment. The operation was delegated by the Trieste District Anti-Mafia Directorate.

The videos posted by the detainee, as explained during a press conference at the Public Prosecutor’s Office with Chief Prosecutor Patrizia Castaldini, are mostly propaganda and include gruesome images of killings. He allegedly encouraged followers to repost them and provided links for access.