September 20, 2024

Athens News

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Brutal knife attack on Solingen City Day Celebratory (Video)


At least three people were killed and eight were injured in the German city of Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia). An unknown person with a knife attacked people, randomly striking them, he has not yet been arrested.

A tragic incident occurred, tells dw edition, at the celebration of the city's 650th anniversary on Friday, August 23. At the height of the “Diversity Festival” dedicated to the memorable date, an unknown person used a knife in one of the city's central squares, not choosing his victims and striking randomly.

As of 6.30 a.m. on August 24, at least three people were killed. Of the eight wounded, five are in serious condition. This was reported by the Dusseldorf police department, which is responsible for Solingen. The search for the perpetrator is still ongoing.

According to witnesses, he was “of Arab appearance.” A police helicopter is currently hovering over the festival grounds. A search is underway for the suspect.

The celebrations were supposed to last until August 25, but due to the tragic events they were cancelled. Citizens were asked to leave the central areas of the city. Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach commented on the tragedy on Facebook:

“This evening we are all in Solingen in shock, horror and great sadness. We wanted to celebrate our city's anniversary together, and now we have to mourn the dead and wounded. My heart breaks that our city was attacked. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we have lost. I pray for all those who are still fighting for their lives.”

Nancy Feser, head of the German Interior Ministry, previously announced her intention to tighten the law limiting the length of knives that can be carried in public places in the country. According to the minister, knives with a blade longer than six centimeters should be banned:

“It's a small fruit knife if you're traveling somewhere and want to have a picnic. But that's all you need.”

Calls for tougher laws began after an incident in Mannheim, when a 25-year-old Afghan man attacked participants in an event of the anti-Islam movement Pax Europa. The attack left several people injured and killed a police officer who intervened in the fight.

In the wake of the Mannheim tragedy, the German government has also resumed discussions about the possible deportation of refugees from Syria and Afghanistan to their countries of origin if these people have committed crimes in Germany or adhere to radical Islamist ideas. This initiative is criticized by humanitarian organizations and the Left Party.



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