Source: spiegel.de
Extraordinary security measures in the heart of Europe
Security forces have released only limited details about the case, so information comes mainly from well-informed media. Reports indicate that Czech authorities were warned by Norwegian intelligence of a planned attack in Prague during Rosh Hashanah 2006, involving the kidnapping of Israeli visitors from a central restaurant and an assault on a synagogue. The operation was allegedly organized by a local jihadist of Pakistani origin, also linked to the Oslo synagogue shooting. It was to be partly executed with support from a mafia network around a Kosovo Albanian drug boss previously extradited to Norway. Extraordinary security measures were introduced, preventing the attack. Although the plot is documented, no one was formally charged, and the Kosovo Albanian suspect publicly denied involvement in interviews with Czech journalists.
„The threat of a terrorist attack concerned Jewish or Israeli targets in Prague, and the time of Jewish festivals, when many tourists from Israel and other countries come to Prague and concentrate in large numbers in the historical centre, including the Jewish Quarter. All the security agencies jointly evaluated the situation and proposed preventive measures.“
Security Information Service (BIS)
Further Reading / Sources
Report on Terror Threat in Prague is Surprise to Jewish Community
Jewish Telegraphic Agency (2006)
Annual Report of the Security Information Service (BIS) for 2006
Security Information Service (2007)