Life sentence for fatal car attack on Munich demonstration

A Munich court has sentenced a 25-year-old man to life in prison for deliberately driving his car into a trade union demonstration, killing two people and injuring many others. The court also determined the "particular severity of guilt," making parole after 15 years significantly more difficult.

The man, originally from Afghanistan, was convicted of two counts of murder and 23 counts of attempted murder. The presiding judge stated that the perpetrator intended to arbitrarily attack and kill people in Germany as a reaction to the situation in Islamic countries. The judge added that the accused sought to commit a "God-pleasing act" and prove himself a "good Muslim" to Allah, himself, and his family.

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The act was, one must say it so clearly, designed for the destruction of human life.

In February 2025, the man drove into the peaceful demonstrators from behind. The attack caused injuries to a woman and her two-year-old daughter, who later died. Numerous other individuals sustained injuries, some life-threatening, and many continue to suffer severe physical or psychological consequences, remaining unable to work.

Prosecutors had argued the act was "designed for the destruction of human life," stating the defendant believed the attack aligned with Allah's will and was a response to actions by the US and other Western states in Gaza and Afghanistan. Personal emotions like anger, disappointment, and bitterness also played a role. The defense, however, argued for a 15-year sentence and psychiatric treatment, citing signs of hebefrenic schizophrenia characterized by confused emotions and unpredictable behavior.

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With this, the accused wanted to commit a God-pleasing act and prove himself to Allah, himself, and his family as a good Muslim.