Syrian terrorist gets life for ISIS attack in Germany

A Syrian national convicted of an Islamist terrorist stabbing in Bielefeld last year has been sentenced to life in prison. The Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court found the 36-year-old guilty of four counts of attempted murder, acknowledging the particularly serious nature of his offense.

During his detention, the man confessed to carrying out the attack in May 2025, which seriously wounded four individuals outside a bar. He also admitted to previously killing two people in Syria on behalf of the Islamic State, including his half-brother.

The prosecution stated the man was motivated by his support for ISIS and aimed to kill as many people as possible, using a modified walking stick with an 18-centimeter blade. The victims sustained life-threatening injuries and continue to suffer from the attack.

Prosecutors revealed the defendant was active in ISIS ranks for years before arriving in Germany in 2023. He sent a video claiming responsibility and carried an ISIS flag before the assault. He fled after being disarmed and facing resistance.

The defense cited the man's difficult childhood and depression, requesting a 12-year sentence. However, a psychiatric expert testified to his deep radicalization and intolerance, stating Islamist-jihadist ideology was integral to his personality. His mental state deteriorated in Germany due to failed family reunification and unemployment.