Trial of fatal car attack in Munich: defendant remains silent!

Trial of fatal car attack in Munich: defendant remains silent!

The trial surrounding a tragic car attack on a Ver.di demonstration that took place on February 13, 2025 is continuing in Munich. A 25-year-old Afghan man is suspected of racing into a mob and is now charged with two counts of murder and 44 counts of attempted murder. Starting Monday at 9:30 a.m., the Munich Higher Regional Court will first hear police officers as witnesses before those affected are allowed to speak. np-coburg.de reports that The trial dates are scheduled until the summer of 2026, with the verdict expected to be handed down on June 25, 2026.

On the day of the attack, a mother and her two-year-old daughter died and 44 other people were injured, some critically. Loud tagesschau.de The background to the attack is linked to suspicion of Islamist terrorism. The defendant was taken into custody and temporarily placed in a psychiatric ward, although a preliminary report showed no evidence of limited culpability.

Course of the trial and defendant

The start of the trial was marked by unusual moments: the defendant initially refused to testify and only showed a gesture with his right index finger, which was interpreted as a symbol of faith. His defense attorney, Johann Bund, confirmed the 25-year-old's silence. It was also noticeable that the defendant hid his eyes behind a red folder and is said to have loudly shouted “Allahu Akbar” after the crime before he prayed. Watesschau.de reports that the defendant admitted that he deliberately drove into the crowd - an act that he committed for "exaggerated religious motives".

There will be a hearing in court on the anniversary of the attack, but without witness statements from those affected. The process experienced a delay of 45 minutes on the first day due to security measures and entry controls. The taking of evidence will begin on the second day of the trial.