Under the watchful eye of security, judges in Stuttgart have been delving into the circumstances surrounding a hand grenade attack on a somber gathering in Altbach, near Esslingen, since December's beginnings. The event marked the culmination of a prolonged clash between two hostile groups in the Stuttgart region, a conflict that had escalated steadily for months. At least fifteen mourners suffered injuries, some severe, during an earlier skirmish in June. The main suspect, then age 23, stands accused of hurling the explosive device. The trial, slated to commence on December 7 (9:15 a.m.), will take place at the high-security Stammheim branch of the Regional Court in Stuttgart.
Since the summer, the Stuttgart area has witnessed a series of violent incidents. Investigators suspect that these acts of aggression originate from the conflict between these hostile groups. Shootings have occurred in various regions, such as Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Plochingen, Asperg (Ludwigsburg district), and Eislingen (Göppingen district). As of now, more than 40 individuals have been taken into custody.
As per the preliminary investigation, the alleged grenade thrower intentionally detonated and hurled the explosive device. The grenade was expected to hit the forecourt of the funeral hall, where the mourners had gathered. However, it veered off course and landed approximately 30 meters away from the forecourt, leaving more than a dozen mourners injured when it detonated.
This trial is set to span ten trial days before the 19th Grand Criminal Chamber. A verdict is unlikely before mid-March.
The court is examining the underlying motivations behind the hand grenade attack, which is but one facet of the ongoing dispute between the two rival groups in Stuttgart. Despite multiple apprehensions by investigators, lawlessness continues to pose a significant threat in the area.
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