A court in southern Germany has sentenced a 27-year-old Eritrean asylum seeker, identified as Okba B, to life in prison for stabbing two teenage girls, one of whom died as a result of the attack. The incident occurred in the town of Illerkirchberg in December.
The prosecution argued that Okba B attacked the girls after they saw the knife he had intended to use at a local immigration office. The motive behind the attack was reportedly his anger over officials’ failure to issue him a passport, which he needed for his planned marriage in Ethiopia.
The 14-year-old girl, named Ece, succumbed to 23 stab wounds, while her 13-year-old friend sustained critical injuries. The court deemed the crime “particularly severe,” making it highly unlikely for Okba B to receive early release even after serving 15 years in prison.
According to reports, the Eritrean arrived in Germany in 2015 during a significant influx of asylum seekers, many of whom were refugees fleeing war and persecution. Prior to the incident, Okba B had reportedly integrated into German society, holding a job, having knowledge of the German language, and being described as calm.
During the trial, Okba B expressed regret for his actions and asked for forgiveness from the families of the victims. The verdict can still be appealed, but if it stands, prosecutors suggest that Okba B could be deported during his prison term.
The case garnered significant attention and sparked outrage in Germany. However, the families of the victims urged against the political exploitation of the incident by anti-immigration groups.
