Afghan Suspect in Knife Attack That Killed Toddler Goes on Trial in Germany
The trial of a 28-year-old Afghan national accused of killing two people, including a toddler, during a knife attack in Aschaffenburg began on Thursday.
The trial of Enamullah O., a 28-year-old Afghan national accused of carrying out a fatal knife attack in Aschaffenburg, Germany, commenced on October 16, 2025.
The incident occurred in January and resulted in the deaths of a German man and a 2-year-old boy of Moroccan descent, as well as injuries to a 2-year-old Syrian girl, a teacher, and a 72-year-old man.
Prosecutors allege that Enamullah O.
had paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the crimes.
The attack took place in a city park near a kindergarten group and occurred just before Germany's federal election in February.
It led to promises from then-Chancellor Friedrich Merz for stricter migration policies and enhanced border controls, reflecting broader national concerns over security and migration issues that have fueled support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Enamullah O.'s asylum application had been denied previously, and he had indicated his intention to leave Germany voluntarily in December.
However, he did not depart and remained under medical treatment instead.
This case has reignited discussions on deportations of individuals who are deemed to be in the country unlawfully, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announcing plans for deportations to Afghanistan and other countries, reversing previous restrictions.
Supporters of these measures argue that they address significant security concerns and public unease regarding immigration issues.
The trial is being closely watched as it navigates complex questions surrounding mental health, immigration policies, and national security in the context of violent crimes.
The incident occurred in January and resulted in the deaths of a German man and a 2-year-old boy of Moroccan descent, as well as injuries to a 2-year-old Syrian girl, a teacher, and a 72-year-old man.
Prosecutors allege that Enamullah O.
had paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the crimes.
The attack took place in a city park near a kindergarten group and occurred just before Germany's federal election in February.
It led to promises from then-Chancellor Friedrich Merz for stricter migration policies and enhanced border controls, reflecting broader national concerns over security and migration issues that have fueled support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Enamullah O.'s asylum application had been denied previously, and he had indicated his intention to leave Germany voluntarily in December.
However, he did not depart and remained under medical treatment instead.
This case has reignited discussions on deportations of individuals who are deemed to be in the country unlawfully, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announcing plans for deportations to Afghanistan and other countries, reversing previous restrictions.
Supporters of these measures argue that they address significant security concerns and public unease regarding immigration issues.
The trial is being closely watched as it navigates complex questions surrounding mental health, immigration policies, and national security in the context of violent crimes.
