Lithuanian pleads guilty to plotting terrorist attack on Galway mosque

Karolis Pečkauskas, 38, admitted in Irish court to conspiring to bomb a mosque in Galway as part of a right-wing extremist plot.

Lithuanian pleads guilty to plotting terrorist attack on Galway mosque

A Lithuanian national has admitted guilt in an Irish court for his role in a planned terrorist bombing targeting a mosque in Galway. The 38-year-old man, identified as Karolis Pečkauskas, was arrested after police discovered explosive materials during a vehicle search on November 4.

Detective Joe Fahy testified that officers stopped a car driven by Pečkauskas and found suspicious items inside. The search uncovered pipe end caps, six liters of hydrogen peroxide, plumbing adhesive, and other components that could be used to construct explosive devices. Investigators also seized a manifesto declaring that a terrorist attack was inevitable.

Court records show that Pečkauskas was part of a group calling itself the IDA — Irish Defence Army. In video statements, the group promoted an "eye for an eye" ideology and threatened to strike IPAS accommodation centers, mosques, and hotels housing migrants. Members urged others to join their cause.

Two other suspects had already pleaded guilty in connection with the same plot before Pečkauskas entered his plea. The defendant resides in Drogheda and had previously argued in the High Court that he could not expect a fair trial due to allegedly flawed provisions in local explosives legislation.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about far-right extremism and cross-border terrorist threats in Europe. Irish authorities continue to monitor groups promoting violence against religious minorities and asylum seekers.

Source: 15min.lt

Source: 15min