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2d ago

Syrian Suspect Admits Guilt as Trial Opens for Solingen Festival Knife Attack

A verdict is due by September 24 following hearings in Düsseldorf into a case that has driven major asylum policy changes.

Issa al H., a Syrian national suspected of stabbing to death three people at a festival in the German city of Solingen in 2024, sits at the beginning of his trial in Duesseldorf, Germany, May 27, 2025. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler
Issa al H., a Syrian national suspected of stabbing to death three people at a festival in the German city of Solingen in 2024, sits at the beginning of his trial in Duesseldorf, Germany, May 27, 2025. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler
Issa al H., a Syrian national suspected of stabbing to death three people at a festival in the German city of Solingen in 2024, walks at the beginning of his trial in Duesseldorf, Germany, May 27, 2025. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler
The attack in Solingen, western Germany, left three dead and 10 injured

Overview

  • Issa Al H., 27, told the court he bore “heavy blame” and expected a life sentence after pleading guilty to stabbing three people to death and wounding ten.
  • The August 23, 2024 assault at Solingen’s “Festival of Diversity” was claimed by Islamic State and led to charges of murder, attempted murder and foreign terrorist membership.
  • Prosecutors plan to hear testimony from more than 50 witnesses over a trial scheduled to run until late September.
  • German authorities’ failure to deport the suspect to Bulgaria in 2023 intensified criticism of asylum procedures.
  • The attack prompted Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government to tighten deportation rules and the new conservative coalition has pledged further border restrictions.