Trial begins in Tübingen: Eritreans charged with attempted murder

Trial begins in Tübingen: Eritreans charged with attempted murder

The trial of a 27-year-old Eritrean accused of attempted murder began today at the Tübingen regional court. The incident that caused a stir occurred on April 1st in Reutlingen. The defendant and the victim both lived in a refugee accommodation on Hindenburgstrasse. The argument between the two men initially escalated verbally before turning into a brutal physical attack. According to the public prosecutor's office, the defendant targeted his victim's face, chest and upper body with three knife stabs.

Although the victim was able to fend off the attack, he suffered injuries to his hands and had to be taken to the clinic for outpatient treatment. The suspect was arrested on site by police officers. The prosecution makes serious allegations and speaks of an intention to kill. Information about the incident can be found at RTF1.

The perpetrator's background

27-year-old Kahlid O. is no stranger. He had already attacked three refugees with a knife in Dresden in April 2020. At that time, he seriously injured one of the victims in the stomach and chest, while another victim jumped out of the window out of fear. Before he was released in 2024 after a four-year prison sentence, Kahlid O. had a history of repeated violent attacks. Another dangerous offense he has been accused of is an attack on a Libyan in which he pierced an artery with a 12cm knife, like the one Picture reported.

His return to society after prison was problematic. Kahlid O. stated that he had to flee Eritrea because of political persecution and reached Germany via dangerous routes. But his integration was bumpy: he only worked in a bakery for two months and after his release he spent 1,600 euros in one go, mostly on clothes and drugs. He reportedly suffers from mental health issues and says he hears voices. His mental health is currently being examined by experts, including Prof. Dr. Dr. Markus Donix, examined.

Mental health and refugees

Kahlid O.'s situation also sheds light on a larger issue: the mental health of refugees. A study from the LVR Clinic Cologne shows that over half of the refugees surveyed suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders. These stresses are often directly related to social factors such as isolation or inadequate access to resources. The report recommends that stable social relationships and access to work permits are essential for migrants' mental health. According to the study results, social isolation and a lack of a work permit are crucial factors for those seeking help.

The question of whether Kahlid O. is incapable of guilt due to possible “paranoid schizophrenia” is still open. While some authorities are trying to arrange for his deportation, efforts are failing due to a lack of passport as Eritrea does not issue replacement documents. The complexity of these cases shows how important it is to provide social and psychological support for refugees.