Swedish white supremacist jailed for plotting Eurovision 2020 terror attack

Image: Nathan Reinds

A Swedish white supremacist has been sentenced to prison after authorities uncovered a detailed plan to attack the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam.

The man, identified as 23-year-old Alexander H, had been living in Luxembourg, where he built a bomb making setup and drafted extensive plans for mass violence.

A fully equipped bomb workshop uncovered

Police discovered a complete explosives workshop in the basement of his home, including chemicals, tools, and components needed to construct bombs.

Investigators found a detailed document titled “Fun time for Eurovision 2020 For a Better and Less Overly Susceptible Future”, which set out multiple attack scenarios.

The plans included releasing chemical agents such as cyanide or chlorine gas inside an arena.

They also described launching explosive devices into crowds using rockets or other delivery mechanisms.

Some sections outlined ways to sabotage emergency exits so that people would become trapped inside during an attack.

Prosecutors said the level of detail showed clear intent and a willingness to cause mass casualties.

Authorities also presented evidence linking him to far-right groups including neo Nazi and eco fascist networks.

They said he had been sharing bomb making information and encouraging others to adopt violent extremist ideology.

Attack plans extended beyond Eurovision

The investigation revealed he had also considered sending a parcel bomb to a Swedish video production company.

He researched carrying out an attack on an oil depot in Sweden.

Communication logs showed discussions about these ideas with a suspected Dutch accomplice.

Prosecutors said the range of targets demonstrated a broader ambition for widespread violence rather than a single focused plot.

The sentence handed down in Luxembourg

A Luxembourg court sentenced him to eight years in prison, with six years suspended under strict conditions.

He will serve two years in custody and must complete a deradicalisation program after his release.

The judge said the plot represented a credible threat and that the planning was advanced enough to require a custodial term.

Authorities said the case highlighted effective cooperation between Luxembourg, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

They emphasised that the investigation relied on extensive intelligence sharing to map out the full scope of his activities.

A reminder of the threat to Eurovision

Eurovision is one of the world’s biggest live entertainment events and brings together tens of thousands each year with hundreds of millions watching at home.

This has made it a symbolic target for extremist movements.

The planned 2020 attack was disrupted before the contest was cancelled due to COVID-19, but prosecutors said the threat itself was real and serious.

The case illustrates the much-needed security protocols to protect fans, artists and all those involved at the Contest each year.

For Eurovision followers, the story is a reminder that the contest’s values remain powerful and worth safeguarding.

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