German prosecutors have filed charges against two 21-year-old Syrian men in connection with a knife attack on an American tourist aboard a tram in Dresden. Nearly four months after the incident, the Dresden public prosecutor’s office announced that the men are accused of dangerous and serious bodily harm. The Dresden Regional Court will now decide whether to admit the charges.
The attack took place during the night of August 24th on a tram near Neustädter Markt. According to investigators, the 20-year-old American victim intervened after the two suspects allegedly harassed women on the tram. Prosecutors say one of the accused initially struck the victim in the face. A short time later, the second suspect joined the assault and used a knife to inflict deep cuts to the victim’s lip, nose, and mouth.
The American suffered serious injuries and required surgery. Authorities have stated that the resulting scars are expected to remain permanently visible.
The male victim himself posted a video on social media blasting German migration policy:
If anyone thinks Europe doesn’t have a problem with immigration, especially Germany, let me tell you what happened to me. One of the attackers was released immediately simply because he is not a German citizen. Police know them all—they’re illegal, repeat offenders—and yet they’re still on the streets.
In addition to the tram attack, the indictment includes further allegations against the suspects, including several counts of bodily harm. One of the accused also faces a charge of particularly serious robbery. Both men have minor prior criminal records and remain in pre-trial detention.
Prosecutors said one of the defendants has partially confessed to the charges, while the other has so far declined to make a statement.
