Suspect in stabbing attack that killed three at German festival admits guilt at trial

Muhamad Yehia.. Cairo

The Solingen incident was one of several deadly attacks in the months leading up to Germany’s national election in February that involved immigrant suspects, pushing migration to the forefront of the political agenda in that vote.

The suspect in a knife attack at a festival in the German city of Solingen has appeared in court on murder and terrorism charges and acknowledged his guilt as proceedings opened.

Three people were killed in the 23 August attack at a “Festival of Diversity” marking the 650th anniversary of the city in western Germany.

The Syrian man, who has been identified only as Issa Al H. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested a day after the attack.

He is charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and membership of a foreign terrorist organization, the so-called Islamic State group, in the trial at the state court in Düsseldorf

There are no formal pleas in the German legal system. However, the suspect admitted responsibility for the attack in a statement read by his lawyers, German news agency dpa reported.

A woman lights a candle at the site of an attack to commemorate the victims in Solingen, 30 August, 2024
A woman lights a candle at the site of an attack to commemorate the victims in Solingen, 30 August, 2024AP Photo

“I have brought severe guilt upon myself. I am prepared to accept the verdict,” he said. “I killed innocent people, not infidels.”

The Solingen incident was one of several deadly attacks in the months leading up to Germany’s national election in February that involved immigrant suspects, pushing migration to the forefront of the political agenda in that vote

It highlighted problems with returning rejected asylum-seekers to the first country where they entered the European Union, as is supposed to happen under EU rules.

The suspect was supposed to be deported to Bulgaria in 2023 but reportedly disappeared for a time and avoided expulsion.

Murder charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison in Germany.

The Düsseldorf court has scheduled trial sessions until late September.

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