A 25-year-old Pakistani man was arrested in Trieste on terrorism charges, police said.
Investigators said the suspect searched online for jihadist-inspired material and shared it on social media platforms. He allegedly managed several profiles with a significant following.
Police said he expressed support for global jihadist groups and openly declared membership in Islamic State (ISIS). The man also allegedly tried to buy firearms online and sought instructions for making homemade explosive devices.
A breakdown of the Trieste terrorism charges are as follows. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism, including international terrorism. He is also accused of training for terrorism and incitement to commit a crime, with aggravating circumstances of condoning terrorism and using online platforms.
The arrest was carried out by the Carabinieri ROS Special Operations Unit. They were assisted by the Trieste Provincial Carabinieri Command and support teams from the 13th Friuli Venezia Giulia Regiment. The operation was delegated by the Trieste District Anti-Mafia Directorate.
Chief Prosecutor Patrizia Castaldini said at a press conference that the videos posted were mainly propaganda. Some were gruesome and showed killings.
The detainee allegedly encouraged followers to repost the material and shared links where it could be found.
