Is there a threat of a terrorist attack? Young people plan attack on churches in NRW!

Is there a threat of a terrorist attack? Young people plan attack on churches in NRW!

On March 21, 2025, three young people from North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) are on trial, which are charged with church visitors due to planned Islamistically motivated terrorist attacks. There is a 17-year-old girl from Iserlohn under the accused. He is supported by a 16-year-old Düsseldorf woman and a 15-year-old from Lippstadt. According to Radio Mk , the youngsters have communicated their terrorist plans through the Messengerdienst Telegram.

Originally they had targeted the targets such as main train stations, court halls and police stations before they finally concentrated on churches. Her plan looked into the churches on a Sunday, shooting at the visitors or stabbing them and set the churches on fire with Molotowcocktails. The destinations for the attacks include Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Stuttgart and Iserlohn. The Attorney General is calling for a prison sentence of almost three years for each of the accused, while the defense is subject to suspended sentences. However, the procedure takes place to the exclusion of the public. Another youth from Ostfildern, who was involved in the plans, was sentenced to two years in prison.

radicalization of young people

The background of these radical deeds are complex. The radicalization of young people who not only affects young men, but also increasingly girls, plays a crucial role. Islamists offer these young people a clear task: the spread of faith. This is reinforced by a black and white presentation of good and evil on social media, which quickly perceives girls who do not adhere to Islamist standards as "wrong".

How the analyzes of the wdr are clear guidelines for girls that are about the honor of the family and avoiding shame. These regulations can offer orientation, especially in a world that confronts young people with a variety of decisions. This excessive demand can lead to radicalization, since radical groups specify a simple and clear direction.

measures against radicalization

In order to protect young people against recruiting extremist groups, targeted educational work is necessary, according to experts. Offers that give young people a voice and give them perspectives are crucial. It is striking that Islamist groups use social media effectively to spread their messages, which requires a targeted countermeasure. In addition, a critical challenge is that there is a collaboration with regimes in Germany that promote Islamism, which in turn favors the spread of these extremist views.