Germany Begins Trial of Syrian Refugee for ISIS-Linked Festival Stabbing

Germany has begun the trial of Issa Al-Hassan, a Syrian refugee accused of carrying out a deadly knife attack at a "Festival of Diversity" in Solingen that killed three people and injured several others. Al-Hassan faces charges including three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and membership in the Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the attack. He has admitted to committing the attack, stating he targeted "nonbelievers" as revenge for Western military actions, and expressed remorse for his actions. The case has intensified debates in Germany over immigration policies, particularly concerning the failure to deport Al-Hassan, who was slated for removal before the attack. The incident has been politically significant, influencing migration discussions in the lead-up to Germany's national elections and prompting a tougher stance on migration and deportations by the new government. If convicted, Al-Hassan faces life imprisonment, with trial sessions scheduled through late September.