Terror cell that targeted Bart De Wever risks up to fifteen years in prison: “Ready to fight the dogs” (Antwerp)

Five people suspected of plotting an attack on Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA) have appeared in court. The federal prosecutor demanded sentences of up to fifteen years in prison for attempted terrorist murder. The key figure is Antwerp resident Elias EA (21), who went looking for weapons.

Elias EA came into the crosshairs of investigators last year. They learned that he used the alias Ilias_al_Belgiki on social media and that he spread propaganda for the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS) there. The Federal Judicial Police (FGP) was able to quickly identify a group around EA, the suspects had contact via Telegram, Snapchat and Instagram and also had physical meetings.

During the investigation it quickly became apparent that EA was not only spreading Salafist jihadist ideas, but that he also wanted to commit an attack. He talked about, among other things, “fighting the dogs” and talked about attacking the police or a police station.

Weapon of war

The most concrete, according to the federal public prosecutor’s office, were the plans to assassinate Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA). To this end, EA started looking for an AK47 war weapon, which gained momentum at the end of March 2023. An undercover agent deployed by the police came into contact with EA via the Telegram messaging service. Unsuspectingly, EA spoke to undercover ‘Sayfullah’ about the weapons and forwarded a photo of De Wever.

“There is no doubt about the intent of the actions,” the prosecutor said. Without the intervention of the police, a terrorist assassination attempt on De Wever would have occurred, the public prosecutor’s office said. This would be carried out by EA and Sebatijan B. from Eupen. The latter was already involved in terrorist plans in Verviers as a minor.

Up to 15 years in prison

EA is seen as the leader, the prosecutor demanded fifteen years in prison against him. Four others are being prosecuted together with him for attempted terrorist murder and participation in a terrorist group, they were aware and provided support by forwarding De Wever’s address or by encouraging EA. One of them is EA’s religious wife, Vanessa B., faces eight years in prison. Sebastijan B. was sentenced to twelve years in prison, just like Harun C., the religious inspirer of EA Jihad EH who forwarded De Wever’s address, risks eight years in prison. A sixth man is being prosecuted for incitement to hatred, he also spread IS propaganda, and he was sentenced to five years.

Defense attorneys will be heard later today.