According to the annual report of the Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office for 2024, published on May 26 in the Brussels Times newspaper, last year the Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office brought charges of terrorist crimes against more than 70 people.

They pointed out that while in previous years most criminal cases related to terrorism were connected to joining jihadist groups operating in other parts of the world, last year the focus shifted to activities within Belgium. The focus is now on lone terrorists rather than international groups and their followers. These individuals operate without external support and use limited resources to plan terrorist attacks.

The report emphasizes that online propaganda promoting terrorist activities is widespread, which contributes to the radicalization process.

Last year saw a significant increase in the number of young people suspected of involvement in terrorism. While 16 cases involving minors were recorded in 2022, there were 24 such cases in 2023 and 55 cases in 2024.

Most of those arrested for terrorist crimes are people aged 15 to 17 who adhere to an extremist jihadist ideology. Last year, a 12-year-old teenager was also registered as an offender. Young people, who are characterized by lack of critical thinking, self-control, empathy, and strong emotions, are more susceptible to ideological influence, radicalization, and violent persuasion to follow a certain idea.