Swedish Man Sentenced for Eurovision Attack Plot
A Swedish man, referred to in the media as an “ecofascist,” was sentenced to eight years in prison—though six of those years are suspended—for plotting mass murder with chemical weapons during the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest.
This event was supposed to occur in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in May 2020 but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alexander H., who was just 18 at the time of his arrest in Luxembourg, allegedly had materials necessary to create a bomb factory aimed at attacking crowded events. Among the evidence was a Google document titled “Fun times at Eurovision 2020 — for a better, less-acceptable future,” co-written with a Dutch associate who wasn’t apprehended. Additional materials found in his basement suggested plans to target various locations beyond Eurovision.
The Eurovision Song Contest is known as the largest event of its kind globally, usually drawing an audience in the tens of thousands. The 2023 edition took place in Basel, Switzerland, with around 100,000 attendees across nine events including rehearsals and the grand final.
Apart from the prison sentence, which could increase to eight years if he commits further crimes, Alexander H. was also mandated to participate in a “de-radicalization” program.
While the prosecutor initially sought a 12-year sentence, the maximum possible was 20 years. The sentencing was reported by the Dutch newspaper het Parool, noting that both H. and the prosecutor have 40 days to appeal, during which H. remains free.
Alexander H. was characterized by Swedish authorities as an “ecofascist,” someone who connects climate issues with anti-immigration sentiments. It was noted that he had ties to violent extremist groups—the Base and the Green Brigade. The Base is described as a Nazi group seeking to incite racial conflict, while the Green Brigade is tagged as an eco-fascist group.
There seems to have been a breakdown in communication regarding the threat posed by H., as Rotterdam officials reportedly learned about the potential attack from the media rather than the authorities in Luxembourg. The event’s organizers were similarly caught off guard.
The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest was to be hosted by the Netherlands, following the country’s win with Duncan Lawrence’s “Arcade” in 2019. However, it was ultimately canceled due to pandemic-related uncertainties. Fans had already rallied support for their favorites before the competition was called off. Personally, I was rooting for Iceland’s Daði Freyr and Russia’s Little Big.
Though some artists returned in 2021 with new songs, the roster changed significantly due to ongoing health concerns. Eurovision’s 2022 competition notably excluded Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, bringing an end to some artists’ involvement.
In contrast, the more recent 2025 event in Basel saw a massive attendance, indicating the enduring popularity of the contest despite previous setbacks.
