Belgian authorities arrested a 14-year-old teenager in Brussels on Thursday, accusing him of plotting a “terrorist” attack on a mosque.
Officials revealed that the suspect, allegedly affiliated with the far-right movement, had intended to carry out the attack on Friday.
Prosecutors, acting on a tip-off, conducted a dawn raid on the teenager’s home, where weapons were reportedly seized.
In a statement, they confirmed the suspect was being investigated for “preparing a terrorist attack” and was expected to be placed in a youth detention center.
Belgium’s justice minister, Paul Van Tigchelt, disclosed to lawmakers that the suspect was 14 years old.
The minister was responding to questions about the increasing number of minors flagged by the country’s intelligence services for radicalization.
A recent report from Belgium’s national intelligence service highlighted that nearly one-third of individuals suspected of planning attacks over the past two years were under 18.
“The radicalisation process of these young people is developing much more quickly than in the past,” Van Tigchelt said, emphasizing the influence of social media in the “brainwashing” of minors.
Currently, Belgian authorities are monitoring approximately 600 individuals deemed extremists.
While the majority are suspected jihadists, around 60 were identified in 2022 for holding far-right beliefs.
