The suspect, identified as Beran A. under Austrian privacy laws, faces charges including terrorism offences and membership in a terrorist organisation. He could face up to 20 years in prison.

Authorities say the plot, linked to the Daesh group, was disrupted before it could be carried out.

The threat led to the cancellation of three of Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in Vienna in August 2024.

Prosecutors allege the suspect planned to target crowds gathered outside Ernst Happel Stadium, where tens of thousands of fans were expected.

He is accused of intending to use knives or homemade explosives to cause mass casualties.

Investigators said the accused had pledged allegiance to the militant group and communicated with its members.

He also allegedly attempted to acquire weapons and materials for explosives.

A search of his residence in August 2024 uncovered bomb-making components.

The trial is being held in Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna, and is scheduled to continue in May.

A co-defendant, Arda K., is also facing terrorism-related charges linked to a separate plan involving coordinated attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates during Ramazan in 2024. Prosecutors said those attacks were not carried out.

The Vienna plot prompted heightened security concerns and drew comparisons to past attacks targeting public events in Europe.