IS Syrian Planned to Bomb Culture Festival in Stockholm – This Is the Sentence

Syrian-born Swedish citizen Faris Al Abdullah, 19, has been sentenced to seven years and ten months in prison after planning a suicide attack during the Culture Festival in central Stockholm. The District Court determined that the plans were far advanced and that the man acted in the name of Islamic State (IS). A 17-year-old youth was also convicted for involvement in the terrorist activities.

The plans took shape during the autumn of 2024. According to the verdict, Faris Al Abdullah had chosen the Culture Festival in central Stockholm as his target—an event that attracts thousands of visitors every year to places such as Kungsträdgården.

In the months before his arrest, he scouted the location, documented the area, and acquired materials to make explosives. He had also purchased clothing and a body camera to film the attack, which according to the prosecutor, was intended for propaganda purposes after the incident.

The investigation also showed that he had recorded a so-called martyr video and studied bomb manuals describing how to construct explosive devices.

Exposed by Säpo Infiltrator

The Swedish Security Service (Säpo) had been monitoring the man for an extended period. The investigation included the use of an infiltrator whom Faris Al Abdullah believed to be a like-minded violent jihadist. In reality, it was a police officer working undercover.

It was in contacts with this person that the terror plans became clear. In February 2025, police moved in and arrested Faris near Kungsträdgården, where he was suspected to be present to scout for the attack.

Two days later, a 17-year-old youth was also arrested, who, according to the investigation, had participated in the planning and had sworn allegiance to IS together with Faris.

Confessed Everything

When the trial began at Stockholm District Court, Faris chose to confess to the crimes. These included preparation for terrorist offenses, participation in a terrorist organization, and preparation for crimes against the law regarding flammable and explosive goods.

Prosecutor Henrik Olin described how, from August 2024 to February 2025, Faris methodically worked toward carrying out a terrorist act:

– Faris Al Abdullah has scouted the intended location for the terrorist offense—Kungsträdgården in Stockholm—and tried to finance the costs for carrying out the attack, Olin said in court.

Link to Violent Crime in Germany

In addition to the terror plans in Sweden, the indictment also included a violent crime in Germany in the summer of 2024. Faris was originally suspected of attempted murder, but the district court judged the act as preparation for murder.

The 17-year-old youth was also convicted for his role in the planning of the violent act abroad.

Not Seriously Mentally Ill

After the confession, the court ordered a forensic psychiatric evaluation before the sentence could be set. The result showed that Faris does not suffer from any serious mental disorder.

This is where Faris would have detonated the bomb. Photo: Ludwig Saari.

Judge Katarina Fabian noted in connection with the verdict:

– The 19-year-old has demonstrated a clear intent and desire to carry out a terrorist attack with weapons and explosives in Sweden in IS’s name. He also confirmed this during the main hearing.

Prison and Youth Care

Stockholm District Court now sentences Faris Al Abdullah to seven years and ten months in prison. The sentence was set lower than it otherwise would have been since the Syrian was under 18 when parts of the offenses were committed.

The 17-year-old youth has been sentenced to one year and four months of youth care for participation in a terrorist organization and preparation for murder.

The verdict brings to a close one of the most concrete terror threats against a public event in Sweden in recent years—and at the same time demonstrates how close the country came to an attack.