Native of Chechnya convicted in Austria for links with the IS

An Austrian court has sentenced Magomed Zakriev, a native of Chechnya, to five years in prison. He was found guilty of participating in the activities of the so-called "Islamic State" (IS), which has been recognized as a terrorist organization.

Investigators have restored, in two Zakriev's mobile phones, thousands of photos and videos, which confirm his presence in Syria in 2013 and his commitment to jihad. In particular, there were several videos showing how to make a detonator from a cell phone.

On July 21, during a 15-hour-long court session, four witnesses from Grozny and a police expert were interrogated. On the basis of the guilty verdict, passed by the jury, the Lower Austria Land Court sentenced Zakriev to five years in prison. This term will include his stay at the SIZO (pre-trial prison), the RIA "Novosti" has reported today.

Zakriev refused to plead guilty. According to his version, the aim of his trip to Syria was to help people in a refugee camp, the "Gazeta.ru" reports.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.