BERLIN (AP) — A man suspected of attempting to arrange weapons for an attack on Jewish targets in Germany was arrested on Wednesday in Denmark, according to Germany's top prosecutor. The suspect, identified as Tawab M., is an Afghan national whose apprehension raises significant concerns regarding security and potential terror plots against Jewish communities in Germany.
Tawab M. had reportedly been in contact with a Danish national, known as Ali S., who is under suspicion for gathering intelligence on Jewish locations and individuals in Berlin for Iranian intelligence services. This alleged collaboration is thought to be motivated by intentions to conduct attacks, reflecting a troubling trend of rising antisemitism and violence targeting Jewish communities in Europe.
According to German federal prosecutors, in late May, Tawab M. assured Ali S. that he would obtain a weapon for an unidentified third individual and persuade them to carry out attacks against Jewish targets in Germany. Tawab M. is noted for having a background in procuring weapons, accessories, and explosive devices in Denmark, further highlighting the potential threat resulting from his activities.
The identity of the third person involved in the alleged plot remains unknown. However, Ali S. was arrested in June and is facing separate charges related to his activities. Tawab M. is now taken into custody based on suspicions that he has conspired to incite another person to commit homicide. The issuance of the arrest warrant occurred last month, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Following his extradition from Denmark, Tawab M. will face a judge in Germany, who will decide on his custody status while formal charges are being prepared. The specific timeline for this legal process has not yet been clarified, raising questions about the immediate response to the threats he allegedly posed.
In light of these events, German security authorities have intensified protective measures for Jewish and Israeli facilities. This response follows a wider context of escalating tensions in the region, particularly after a 12-day conflict erupted between Israel and Iran in June, which has exacerbated fears of violence and attacks against Jewish communities in Germany and beyond.
Germany maintains a close alliance with Israel and has historically navigated complex relations with Tehran. Despite tensions, Germany is one of the three leading European powers engaged in diplomatic efforts concerning Iran’s nuclear program. The intricacies of these geopolitical dynamics contribute to the urgency of addressing potential threats posed by individuals affiliated with Iranian intelligence.
Additionally, in a significant move signaling deteriorating relations, Germany ordered the closure of all three Iranian consulates within its territory in October. This decision came in response to the Iranian judiciary's announcement regarding the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian German citizen who had lived in the United States and was allegedly kidnapped by Iranian security forces in Dubai in 2020. Following this closure, the Islamic Republic was left with only its embassy in Berlin, a symbolic representation of the strained diplomatic ties between Germany and Iran.
As authorities work to address these issues, the implications extend beyond individual arrests, calling attention to a broader dialogue about security, immigration, and the rise of antisemitic sentiment in Europe.
