Overview

• The March 2024 arson in Solingen, Germany, claimed the lives of a Bulgarian family, including two young daughters, and injured many others in the apartment building.
• The 40-year-old defendant has confessed to the arson and other violent acts, including a machete attack on a colleague shortly after the fire.
• The suspect’s girlfriend testified about his struggles with schizophrenia, lethargy, and isolation, noting that he had been hospitalized for mental health issues in the past.
• While the accused cited a dispute with his former landlord as a motive, the girlfriend denied any evidence of racial hatred or animosity towards migrants.
• The court is awaiting a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect, which is expected to provide further insights into his state of mind during the crimes.