Arson Trial: Witness Challenges Accused's Statements
In the trial for the suspected arson attack on a school in Bochum, the main witness has challenged the defendant's account of the attack's target. Addressing the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court on Wednesday, the witness disputed the accused's initial claim of a synagogue as the intended target.
The accused, a German-Iranian, has confessed to the crime during the trial but claimed to have thrown the incendiary device at the school on behalf of a Hells Angels member wanted for murder. However, the public prosecutor considers the synagogue as the likely target, stating in the indictment that it was the actual objective.
The witness accused the accused of supporting the Iranian regime. Investigations suggest that Iranian authorities might be connected to the crime, with the alleged client, Ramin Y., who is wanted for murder and attempted murder in other cases, potentially linked to the Iranian regime as well.
According to his statements, the witness was approached by the accused, a close friend, seeking help with an arson attack on a Dortmund synagogue. He highlighted that the Dortmund synagogue was heavily guarded and suggested alternative targets in North Rhine-Westphalia. The witness claimed to have reported the plan to the police to prevent his friend's criminal act.
However, the witness could not provide substantial information regarding Ramin Y. In his confession, the accused pointed to fear of a former Hells Angels leader as the reason for his actions. The witness noted the accused's nervousness during their conversations, yet he also insinuated the accused was protected by Ramin Y.
The trial resumes on Thursday, with the federal prosecutor's statement expected to offer further insights. Despite the accused's connection to the Hells Angels, the public prosecutor considers extremist beliefs as a potential motive, leading the attack to target a synagogue. The ongoing trial and federal prosecutor's statement aim to address the perceived conspiracy theories surrounding this crime.
Sources: (Enrichment data is integrated into the base article, preserving a cohesive and seamless flow)
The witness's challenge to the accused's statements has heightened tension in the trial. Despite the accused implicating a Hells Angels member in the attack, the public prosecutor's belief in extremist motives persuades investigators to further scrutinize the case and the potential involvement of extremist groups.
