German Federal Prosecutors Charge Syrian National in Double-Knife Attack

A Syrian national has been charged by German federal prosecutors for allegedly carrying out a double-knife attack in April last year, resulting in the death of one individual. The prosecutor in Karlsruhe, known for handling complex cases including terrorism, stated that the 26-year-old, identified as “Maan D.,” had intended to contribute to global jihad by killing non-believers in Germany.

The Attacks

The first attack took place on Easter Sunday morning in Duisburg’s city center, where the suspect randomly encountered and allegedly stabbed a man. The victim sustained 28 stab wounds to his abdomen, head, and neck, and died the same day. Nine days later, less than a kilometer away, the same suspect is believed to have carried out another knife attack in a gym, injuring four men. Among those attacked were three customers in the locker room and bathrooms, some of whom suffered fatal injuries from multiple stab wounds to their upper bodies. Additionally, an emergency worker was stabbed twice in the thigh.

Investigation and Motives

Initially, investigators struggled to determine a specific target for the attacks. However, evidence collected, particularly during a raid on the suspect’s residence, revealed indications of Islamic motives. The prosecution spokesperson informed Der Spiegel that Islamic motives became apparent through the items confiscated during the investigation.

Legal Proceedings

The text of the indictment against the suspect must now be approved by the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf. The suspect has been in pre-trial detention since April 24 last year.

Previous Attacks in Germany

Germany has experienced several jihadist attacks in recent years, with the deadliest being the December 2016 truck attack on a Christmas market in Berlin, resulting in the deaths of 12 people.

Source: AFP