"Bomber Admits Guilt in Fatal Incident": Solingen's Bomber Acknowledges Casualty Responsibility
In Düsseldorf, a Syrian man admitted to perpetrating a fatal knife attack during Solingen's city festival last year. Three individuals lost their lives in the incident while ten others sustained injuries. Issa al H., aged 27, expressed remorse for his actions, stating, "Three people have died by my hand. I am ready to accept the verdict."
The accused Syrian remains silent on the charge of IS membership, as his lawyers read his statement in the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. The trial commenced nine months after the unfortunate incident, which took place during Solingen's street festival honoring its 650th anniversary.
Authorities accuse al H. of triple murder and ten counts of attempted murder, as well as associating with the Islamic State (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors allege that al H. sought contact with IS members and pledged allegiance to the group via videos, just hours before the attack on August 23, 2024.
The provocative act occurred when al H. approached his unsuspecting victims from behind and attacked them with a knife, primarily targeting their necks. Al H. screamed "Allahu akbar" several times during the assault. One victim resisted, eventually causing al H. to flee before surrendering the following day.
During the trial, a psychiatric expert expressed that al H. did not consider himself a religious or Salafist individual. He is reported to have enjoyed action films over reading the Quran, skipped Friday prayers, and had a passion for football. The defendant indicated that the events in Gaza, featuring dead Palestinian children, moved him deeply. These images were shared on his Telegram channel, leading to a conversation with someone who encouraged him to carry out an attack in Germany.
However, the psychiatrist's testimony differed from the indictment concerning al H.'s religious inclinations. The defendant said he would not have committed the act without the influence of children's images from Gaza and religious indoctrination. He dismissed the incident as a reckless mistake, claiming he was tricked into carrying out the attack.
Court-presented videos revealed a different narrative: al H. declaring, "I will tear you to pieces," and vowing to "revenge for our families in Palestine." He also expressed strong disapproval of Germany and homosexuals in chat messages.
The trial proceeds in the high-security wing of the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, with twelve co-plaintiffs present. The victims include a 56-year-old man, a 67-year-old man, and a 56-year-old woman. Eight people were injured, with two narrowly missing being attacked but still suffering torn clothing.
After the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility, marking the first such claim since the 2016 attack on the Berlin Christmas market. The incident sparked debate about deportations, the Dublin system, and internal security in Germany, which is currently being investigated by a parliamentary inquiry committee in Düsseldorf's state parliament. The trial is scheduled to conclude on September 24, with 22 trial days planned.
Meanwhile, Philipp Müller, co-organizer of the city festival, is planning a new festival to be held almost a year after the attack in Solingen. Müller aims to send a message: "This is to let this attacker know: He hasn't won in this situation."
- Despite his arguments that he was influenced by external factors, the court-presented videos showed al H. expressing violent intentions towards others, suggesting a potential involvement in the realms of crime-and-justice and mental-health.
- In the midst of the ongoing trial, the cruel violence of the Solingen city festival attack stirred political debates about deportations, the Dublin system, and internal security in Germany, thrusting the issue of general-news and politics into the forefront.
- Following the tragic incident at the Solingen city festival, the health-and-wellness sector has gained significance as individuals struggle to cope with the emotional aftermath of the fatal knife attack, calling for increased mental-health support and awareness.
