Polish authorities say student planned Christmas market attack in support of ISIS

A university student was arrested in Poland for allegedly preparing a terrorist attack at a Christmas market in support of the Islamic State (ISIS), according to officials.

Poland’s Internal Security Agency arrested a 19-year-old student from the Catholic University of Lublin, identified as Mateusz W., according to government spokesman Jacek Dobrzyński.

Dobrzyński said the student was suspected of preparing a terrorist attack at one of Poland’s Christmas markets, though authorities did not disclose the city or say how advanced the planning was.

Prosecutors said Mateusz W. faces charges related to preparing a terrorist attack that could have resulted in deaths or serious injuries, according to Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutor Katarzyna Calów-Jaszewska said the suspect’s actions focused on establishing contacts with representatives of ISIS and gathering information about explosive materials and how to obtain them. She said the activities did not go beyond the preparatory stage.

Officials said evidence seized during the arrest included data storage devices and items related to Islam.

According to TVN24, prosecutors said the suspect discussed the idea of carrying out an attack in a public place where 10 to 20 people might be present, with references to a market, but no specific location was identified in the materials reviewed by investigators.

Dobrzyński said the suspect is a Polish national, as are his parents. He also said the family is Catholic. The Catholic University of Lublin confirmed that the student was arrested on November 30.

Prosecutors said the suspect faces a possible sentence ranging from 12 years in prison to life imprisonment if convicted.