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British teenager receives life in terrorist case

 
Published Oct. 3, 2015

A 'chilling' turn

British teenager receives life in terrorist case

A teenager thought to be Britain's youngest convicted terrorist received a life sentence Friday for inciting a terrorist attack in Australia during an annual war memorial event.

The teen was 14 when he planned the attack, which included a plot to kill police officers in Melbourne during Anzac Day, an annual day of remembrance marked in Australia and New Zealand.

In a Manchester court, Justice John Saunders said it was "chilling" that the teen, who cannot be named under law, had been radicalized at such a young age.

The sentencing comes at a time when British authorities are concerned about the risk of so-called lone wolf attacks, not only by foreigners but also by Britons radicalized by extremists online.

In March, the teen had exchanged more than 3,000 messages with Sevdet Besim, an 18-year-old Australian whom prosecutors argued used the online name "Illyas." In one exchange, they discussed a plan to run over a police officer at the Anzac Day parade.

Now 15, the teen must serve a minimum of five years.

Washington Post