2 IS-backing Palestinians charged in bomb plot on Israeli Embassy in Berlin
German-born pair were arrested in June, accused of planning attack on mission or other Jewish target, inspired by Islamic State
Two German-born Muslims of Palestinian origin, arrested on suspicion of planning an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin, were brought before a German court on Wednesday.
The men, both aged 21, were arrested in June while trying to prepare an explosive device from firecrackers. The police found a large quantity of supplies for building a powerful explosive device in their possession, Israeli news site Ynet reported.
The suspects have been identified only by their first names — Muhammad and Ali — as per German law.
Officials said they made preparations between December 2014 and July 2015 to carry out an attack on the Israeli Embassy or some other Israeli or Jewish institution, having possibly been inspired by the Islamic State.
They were accused of “preparation of an act of violence that would gravely endanger the security of the state,” according to the charge sheet.
The Israeli Embassy said it trusted German authorities to deal with the issue.
“We are fully confident in the responsible local authorities and that they will deal with all legal and security-related issues,” an embassy statement said.
Muhammad is a baker by trade. Pictures and other content related to Islamic State were found on Ali’s mobile phone. Both are said to have been inspired by the Islamist terror group.
The two claim they did not actually intend to target the Israeli Embassy and only wanted to have “fun,” according to an Israeli report. They said their bomb was far from professional.
