Syrian Citizen Charged with Murder in 'Islamist-Motivated' Knife Attacks in Germany

Germany's federal prosecutor's office announced on Thursday that charges of murder, attempted murder, and grievous bodily harm have been brought against a Syrian citizen in connection with two knife attacks.

The attacks, allegedly motivated by Islamist beliefs, claimed the life of a man in the city of Duisburg in April and left five gym-goers with knife wounds a few days later.

According to the prosecutor's statement, the suspect, identified as Maan D., is a follower of the Islamic State group.

He was officially charged on August 30.

The first attack occurred in Duisburg's old city on April 9, when the suspect encountered a man by chance and brutally stabbed him at least 28 times in the abdomen, head, and neck. The victim tragically died that same day.

Then, on April 18, the suspect allegedly targeted a gym in Duisburg with the intent to kill as many 'infidels' as possible.

In the locker room and shower area, he stabbed three visitors multiple times in the upper body, causing severe, life-threatening injuries.

Additionally, he intentionally inflicted two stab wounds on a first-aider's thigh.

The suspect was apprehended on April 24 and has been in custody since then.

Based on the prosecutor's statement, Maan D. held extremist beliefs aligned with the radical Islamist ideology of the Islamic State, which motivated him to contribute to the worldwide jihad by killing alleged 'infidels' in Germany.