But prosecutors said that he had willingly sought to fight in the ranks of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. Mr. Silovsky worked for an auto parts manufacturer after completing school. His mother, who appeared before the court, said she had no idea of her son’s support for the Islamic State. After converting to Islam, Mr. Silovsky began learning English and Arabic, and started to search for information about the Islamic State. Experts say the case has shown how Islamic State propaganda can influence vulnerable young people, even in a country with few Muslims.

Source: New York Times February 24, 2017 20:40 UTC