Shock in Solingen: Trial opened after devastating terrorist attack!

Shock in Solingen: Trial opened after devastating terrorist attack!

In Solingen, the city festival atmosphere is in shambles. A tragic terrorist attack overshadowed the celebrations on Friday evening. Three people were killed with a knife and eight others were injured, including four seriously. These shocking events took place at Mühlenplatz, where numerous revelers 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 unanimously describe how suddenly the shock spread across the festival mile. A 61-year-old industrial clerk was on site with his wife and a friend when, without warning, he was attacked with a knife in the throat, neck and arm. What's particularly disturbing is that he didn't even feel the first stitches and only heard the exclamation "Allahu Akbar" during the panic. Luckily, paramedics quickly administered first aid. Now he has to continue to receive treatment in the trauma clinic, but is trying to move forward despite his fears.

Trial and investigations

The trial against the alleged perpetrator has already begun. The police searched for evidence in downtown Solingen, including in a refugee shelter. Criminal defense attorney Daniel Sprafke wants to present further information about the defendant's missing cell phone and rain jacket. The trial continues on June 17th. Meanwhile, one of the other witnesses, Volker Eigemann, is suffering from memory problems and physical difficulties after the incident. He was with friends in the “Olive” restaurant and experienced the attack first hand, only realizing the dramatic situation when blood flowed from his wounds.

The debate about stricter gun laws and the slow deportations of potentially dangerous people is being fueled again by this incident. Terrorism expert Peter R. Neumann emphasizes that the number of attacks in Europe is increasing. In the last 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 in 2022,” continued 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 being taken seriously. A report by the EU Parliament finds that a total of 46,400 references to terrorist content have been made since June 2023. Member States, through Europol, have sent 1,406 takedown orders to online service providers that are proving instrumental in combating the spread of extremist content. The effort is aimed at ensuring that such networks do not gain even more adherents as society and its protective forces try 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 certainly gain momentum. Those affected themselves hope that justice will be done and such tragedies can be prevented in the future.