Aarhus official warns extremism has moved into teenage bedrooms

An attempted arson attack on a mosque on Nørre Allé in Aarhus in May was inspired by a sadistic extremist network known as the NVE networks, according to information reported by DR.

Metin Lindved Aydin, an Aarhus municipal councillor from the Radikale Venstre party, visited the mosque several days after the attack. The prayer room had been doused with petrol, and its carpet has since been replaced.

“A young person had brought petrol into the mosque and soaked the carpets and furniture in an attempt to set fire to everything,” Aydin said. “We can only speculate about what would have happened if it had succeeded.”

The NVE networks are a collective term for groups that cultivate and glorify activities including extortion and violence. In early August, three teenagers were arrested on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack at Hadsten School. They were also linked to the violent online community.

The cases have led Aydin to conclude that radicalisation can now occur anywhere. He has contacted two fellow municipal councillors to examine the municipality’s efforts to prevent radicalisation.

“We are in a new situation where we should not look for extremism in specific environments, but in the teenage bedroom,” he said.

East Jutland Police declined to comment in detail but confirmed in a written response to DR News that a 14 year old boy received a penalty from the Youth Crime Board on July 7. It is not known what the boy told authorities about the case or how he responded to the accusation.