"Innocent Life Taken": Solingen Bomber Acknowledges Responsibility
Düsseldorf Attack: Suspect Admit to Stabbing Spree at City Festival
Düsseldorf—A 27-year-old Syrian man, Issa al H., confessed to killing three individuals during last year's city festival in Solingen. The attack took place on August 23, 2024, as victims were enjoying live music.
The Federal Prosecutor charged Issa al H. with triple murder and ten counts of attempted murder. He also alleged that Issa al H. was an IS terrorist and had pledged allegiance to the militant group in videos just before the attack. The videos were sent minutes prior to the attack to an IS contact.
The defendant reportedly sought contact with IS members on Islamist-jihadist forums. Since 2019, he had shown an inclination towards the Salafist ideology and rejected the liberal lifestyle. Three people died in the attack; their ages ranged from 56 to 67.
During the trial at the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, a psychiatrist reported that Issa al H. did not describe himself as strictly religious or Salafist. The psychiatrist also stated that the defendant had never been strict about religious practices.
However, videos revealed in court portrayed a different image. In the videos, Issa al H. expressed a desire to take revenge on the Germans for the actions of the Israeli military in Palestine. He also expressed disdain for Germany and homosexuals.
The defendant's legal proceedings are ongoing in the high-security wing of the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. Each trial day lasts for nearly three weeks until September 24.
The attack has sparked a public debate on deportations, the Dublin system, and internal security in Germany. A parliamentary inquiry committee is examining why the deportation of the alleged attacker failed.
Meanwhile, Co-organizer of the city festival, Philipp Müller, plans to hold a new festival almost a year after the attack in Solingen. "This attacker will not triumph in this situation," Müller stated.
Family members of the victims expressed their concern about the current state of war-and-conflicts around the world, stating that politics and general-news outlets should prioritize discussing solutions to prevent further crimes-and-justice incidents like the Düsseldorf attack.
Despite the ongoing trial, citizens are encouraged to attend events like the upcoming city festival in Solingen, as a symbol of resilience against terrorism and a reminder that political and social interactions should promote peace and unity.
