The trial for preparation of terrorist crimes and participation in a terrorist organization is in its second week, and on Tuesday, the questioning of the four defendants begins.
First out is the 25-year-old, one of two brothers charged in the case, accused of preparing some form of terrorist act in Sweden in the name of IS, together with his younger brother and a third man in his 20s.
The man begins the questioning with a statement.
I am 25 years old and unemployed. I have converted to Islam and I would describe myself as deeply religious. During my journey, I have come into contact with subjects that I perceive as quite frightening and alien in Sweden, he says, mentioning jihad among other things.
Can understand now
In search of knowledge, he has spoken with "learned persons".
I have also sought knowledge in the mosque in Tyresö and primarily on the internet. Now I can honestly understand that it can be perceived as a very radical and extreme environment.
When he was in it, it was difficult to see it from the outside, he says.
With distance, I understand that much of what I have thought and written is absolutely not good. And I really want to emphasize that none of my thoughts have been based on true intentions.
On the other hand, he thought it was "cool" to watch IS videos and discuss weapon-related things.
But I have never owned a weapon, explosive materials, or had a real intention to acquire these things, and I have never had the intention to carry out an attack.
Shared IS videos
During the questioning, he is confronted by prosecutor Lars Hedvall with chats where he shared IS videos. The 25-year-old denies that he swore allegiance to the terrorist group and that he did not share anything on their behalf, but only wanted to discuss with like-minded individuals.
He is also asked about a chat where he discussed what appears to be possible terrorist plans with another person.
Why do you write that you have plans? asks the prosecutor.
I say that I have plans, but there are no plans. I am an internet warrior. It's just talk.
According to the indictment, the plans were focused on Jewish targets, but the 25-year-old does not want to comment on what he thinks about Jews.
There, I refer to my freedom of religion, he says.
Three of the four defendants are suspected of preparing terrorist crimes. They were arrested in connection with a raid on March 7, 2024, when the Security Police struck at several locations in Tyresö, including a local mosque.
According to the indictment, the three "possessed" a pistol with the intention of killing or injuring other people in the name of the terrorist group IS. They are also charged with gross weapons offenses due to the alleged possession of the weapon. The pistol has not been found.
All four are suspected of participating in a terrorist organization, by acting on behalf of IS in Somalia. This they have done, according to the indictment, by maintaining contact with IS members in Somalia and receiving instructions from them about terrorist acts to be carried out.
All four deny the crimes.
