PARIS - The anti-terrorism prosecutor of France has confirmed the initiation of an investigation into the tragic death of a 23-year-old German-Filipino tourist, who was fatally stabbed near the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. The suspect, identified as Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, is a French national who had been placed under surveillance due to suspicions of Islamic radicalization.

At a news conference, Jean-Francois Ricard provided details on the case, stating that Rajabpour-Miyandoab may face a preliminary charge of murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The suspect is currently in police custody.

Ricard revealed that the investigation discovered a video recorded by Rajabpour-Miyandoab prior to the attack, in which he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and expressed support for various extremist movements operating in Africa, Iraq, Syria, Egypt's Sinai, Yemen, Iran, and Pakistan. The video, published on Rajabpour-Miyandoab's X account (formerly Twitter), also contained references to the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.

The suspect, born in 1997 in Neuilly-Sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, belonged to a family with no religious affiliation. However, at the age of 18, he converted to Islam and quickly adopted an extremist ideology. In 2016, Rajabpour-Miyandoab had intended to join the ranks of the Islamic State group in Syria.

However, his plans were foiled as he was arrested and subsequently convicted. He spent four years in prison, from 2016 to 2020, after being found guilty of plotting violence. The prosecutor also confirmed that during this time, Rajabpour-Miyandoab received psychiatric treatment and was included on a special watchlist for individuals considered potential threats due to their radical beliefs.

The tragic incident near the Eiffel Tower has once again raised concerns over the threat of terrorism in France. The investigation will aim to uncover further details regarding the suspect's motives and potential links to broader extremist networks.

Authorities are currently working to gather more evidence and information in order to build a strong case against Rajabpour-Miyandoab. Meanwhile, security measures have been heightened in Paris, particularly in areas frequented by tourists, to ensure the safety of the public.

As the investigation continues, the French authorities remain committed to preventing acts of terrorism and preserving the security and well-being of their citizens and visitors alike.