Shock in Solingen: Process after devastating terrorist attack opens!

Shock in Solingen: Process after devastating terrorist attack opens!

Solingen, Deutschland - In Solingen, the city festival mood is in shards. A tragic terrorist attack overshadowed the celebrations on Friday evening. Three people were killed with a knife and eight more, including four seriously. These shocking events took place at Mühlenplatz, where numerous celebrations had gathered. A 26-year-old Syrian is suspected of being responsible for this cruel act and has been in custody since Sunday evening, reports the Solinger Tageblatt .

The witnesses describe unanimously how suddenly the fright lay over the festival mile. A 61-year-old industrial clerk was on site with his wife and a friend when he was attacked with a knife without warning on the neck, neck and arm. It is particularly disturbing that he did not even feel the first stitches and only heard the exclamation "Allahu Akbar" during the panic. Fortunately, paramedics quickly provided first aid. Now he has to be treated in the trauma outpatient clinic, but tries to look ahead despite the fears.

process and investigation

The trial of the alleged perpetrator has already started. The police were looking for evidence in downtown Solingen, including in a refugee accommodation. Criminal defense lawyer Daniel Sprafke wants to present further information about a missing mobile phone and a rain jacket from the accused. The process will continue on June 17th. In the meantime, one of the other witnesses, Volker Eirgemann, suffers from memory problems and physical difficulties after the incident. He was in the "Olive" restaurant and experienced the attack up close, only recognized the dramatic situation when blood flowed out of his wounds.

The debate about sharper weapons laws and the sluggish deportations of potentially dangerous people are fueled again by this incident. Terrorism expert Peter R. Neumann emphasizes that the number of attacks in Europe is increasing. In the past ten months there have been 27 planned terrorist attacks in Western Europe, six of which were carried out. "That is three times as many as 2022," continues Neumann, who suspects that the violent conflicts in the Middle East could have a negative impact on the situation in Europe, especially after IS has become more active again.

The situation in Europe

At the political level, the increase in terrorist activities is taken seriously. A report by the EU Parliament notes that a total of 46,400 references to terrorist content have been given since June 2023. Member States have sent 1,406 distance arrangements to online service providers via Europol, which prove to be significant in combating the distribution of extremist content. The efforts aim to ensure that such networking does not find more followers, while society and its protective forces are trying to prevent a further increase in terrorist attacks.

In the coming weeks, the processing of this terrible incident and the discussion about possible political consequences will surely continue to accept speed. Those affected themselves hope that justice will happen and that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.