German police detain 16-year-old Russian over ISIS propaganda
Photo: Russian teenager detained in Germany (Getty Images)
In Germany, a 16-year-old from Russia was detained on suspicion of spreading ISIS propaganda and displaying weapons on social media. Security services searched his apartment, BILD reports.
The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution opened an investigation into the young man, originally from Russia. He is suspected of sharing extremist content and possibly violating weapons laws.
On Friday evening, around 9:00 PM local time, a SWAT unit raided the teenager's apartment in a multi-family building in Nottuln and also searched his parents' apartment.
The 16-year-old allegedly posted images on social media featuring Islamist symbols and weapons, including knives and pistols, with references to the terrorist organization Islamic State.
BILD reported that the teenager's Instagram account drew law enforcement attention because of the extremist content. Federal security officials believe he may have become radicalized within the Islamist movement.
Due to a potential threat to the public, authorities conducted the search. Police seized several items, which are now undergoing forensic examination. A police spokeswoman said the results are expected by mid-next week.
Authorities said the teenager was not at home during the search. He was detained after returning from a sports training session in Münster, near a bus stop.
Investigators are looking into whether he had contacts with other Islamist networks. No arrest warrant has been issued yet.
European media recently reported that Russian security services are using recruitment methods similar to ISIS, employing disinformation and social media.
Russian schools plan to introduce "lessons of the past," styled after wartime years, which are effectively becoming tools for propaganda and the militarization of school education.
