8 Kosovo Albanians jailed for foiled attack on Israeli soccer team

PRISTINA, Kosovo — A Kosovo court sentences nine Albanians, eight to jail, for planning a foiled attack against the Israeli national soccer team during a 2016 qualifying World Cup match in neighboring Albania.

Pristina court Judge Hamdi Ibrahimi on Friday sentences the leader of the group, Visar Ibishi, to 10 years in jail. Seven others get between 1-1/2 to 6 years imprisonment. One is slapped with a 2,500-euro ($2,950) fine.

The planned attack in November 2016 was said to have been coordinated by two Albanians in Syria fighting with the Islamic State jihadist group.

Police found explosive devices, weapons, electronic equipment and extremist religious literature at their homes.

Kosovo authorities say about 180 citizens are still active with extremist groups in Syria and Iraq.

— AP

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.