Teen plotting attacks on women charged in France's first 'incel' case
According to sources close to the case, the suspect was arrested with two knives in his bag and identified himself as a member of the "incel," or involuntary celibate, subculture.
The "incel" movement is an internet subculture rife with misogyny, with men tending to blame women and feminism for their romantic failings.
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The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) said that an investigation had been opened on Tuesday "against an 18-year-old man claiming to be part of the 'incel' movement".
The man has been charged with terrorist conspiracy with a view to preparing one or more crimes against people, the PNAT said.
The involvement of anti-terror prosecutors appears to indicate that French authorities recognise this form of gender-based violence as terrorism.
On Tuesday evening, Timothy G. appeared before a judge who remanded him in custody.
His lawyer Maria Snitsar described him as "a teenager who is suffering, not a fighter preparing for action".
According to one of the sources close to the case, the teenager, who wanted to become an engineer, was a fan of misogynist videos on social media, particularly short-video app TikTok.
According to another source close to the case, this is the first time the PNAT has been called upon to investigate a man who exclusively identifies as part of the "incel" subculture.
The concept had previously appeared only marginally in at least two cases handled by the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office.
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