Former Friend Contradicts Beran A.'s Testimony in Terror Plot Trial

Luca K. also disputed Beran A.'s claims about a trip to Dubai, stating, 'Aber ich habe ihm das nicht geglaubt, er hat mir auch keine Bilder gezeigt' (But I didn't believe him, he didn't show me any pictures).

Disputed Testimony

Beran A. and co-defendant Arda K. continue to deny motivating their former school friend Hasan E. to carry out an attack in Mecca. Hasan E. is currently in custody in Saudi Arabia after injuring several security guards with a knife.

The court heard that after returning from Dubai, Beran A. allegedly changed his behavior, took drugs, and gave Luca K. stickers with the flag of the Islamic State. On July 12, 2024, Beran A. reportedly wrote to Luca K., 'Ich habe Waffen besorgt' (I have procured weapons).

The trial also examined Beran A.'s relationship with his ex-girlfriend, who requested to testify without the public present. She has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for membership in a terrorist organization.

Relationship Testimony

Beran A. admitted to posting messages glorifying ISIS on social media but claimed these were only visible to a small circle. He and Arda K. stated that Hasan E. tried to incite them to carry out attacks in Dubai and Istanbul.

Luca K., who has a history of terrorism-related offenses, was sentenced to two years in prison for membership in a terrorist organization. He received an additional six-month term for a violent attack in July 2024.

The trial was continued in camera for highly personal testimony about Beran A.'s relationship with his ex-girlfriend. The next hearing is scheduled for May 28, 2026, with a verdict expected soon after.