Terror plots, hate propaganda, and an explosives lab – the written verdict reveals how serious and advanced Alexander H.’s actions were. Last Thursday, the 12th Capital Criminal Chamber delivered a first-instance judgment against the 23-year-old Swede, sentencing him to eight years in prison, with six years suspended under probation conditions.
The written reasoning, available since Friday afternoon, confirms his conviction on all eleven charges. These include violations of weapons and explosives precursor laws, operating an unlicensed facility (specifically a bomb-making lab), membership and leadership roles in the terrorist groups The Green Brigade and The Base, spreading terrorist propaganda, inciting and recruiting for terrorism, terrorist training, and plotting terror attacks.
His planned attacks targeted the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, the Dutch power grid and highway infrastructure, and a Swedish oil terminal. He had also built a parcel bomb addressed to a Swedish film company. The court found that his plans were far along, including reconnaissance, detailed research, and the manufacture of explosives. He was also convicted of racist and antisemitic incitement.
Leading a Terrorist Group: The Key Offense
Some charges were treated as individual offenses, others grouped under a single act. The sentencing was primarily based on the most serious offense – leading a terrorist organization under Article 135-4 (4) of the Criminal Code, which carries 10 to 15 years in prison and a fine of €25,000 to €50,000 (or both). Article 74 allows for a reduced sentence of 3 to 10 years if mitigating circumstances apply.
Mitigating Factors Considered
The defense criticized the trial’s lengthy duration. While the court ruled that deadlines had not been breached, it acknowledged that Alexander H. was arrested over five years ago – a significant time in a young person’s life, especially one who has since begun university studies.
The defendant confessed to all charges and expressed remorse. Importantly, most of the offenses occurred while he was still a minor.
Crimes Deemed Extremely Serious
Nevertheless, the court emphasized the gravity of the offenses. Several could have caused mass casualties. Alexander H. admitted that he would have carried out some attacks if not stopped by law enforcement. The court deemed the crimes particularly serious, justifying the eight-year sentence.
Six Years Suspended
Six years of the sentence were suspended due to his clean prior record and mitigating factors. Still, the court insisted the punishment must be both deterrent and punitive. As part of the probation, Alexander H. must participate in a five-year de-radicalization program with Respect.lu, submitting a certificate every six months to the public prosecutor.
He must also pay €13,414.67 in court costs, primarily for expert assessments. The verdict can be appealed within 40 days of notification. Until the ruling becomes final, the presumption of innocence applies.
