Enlarge image
Crossroads in Berlin-Wilmersdorf near the crime scene
Photo: Christophe Gateau / dpa
Suddenly, Abdul Malik A. is said to have stabbed a 59-year-old with a knife on Sunday afternoon in Berlin-Wilmersdorf and seriously injured her.
According to the police, the Afghan was apparently bothered by the fact that the woman was doing gardening.
The attacker is also said to have attacked a hurrying passer-by with his knife.
A judge sent Abdul Malik A. into custody for attempted murder, serious and dangerous physical harm. The 29-year-old could suffer from a mental illness. In the past he had been admitted to a mental hospital. As in a similar case in Würzburg in June, the investigators are examining an Islamist background. A spokesman for the Public Prosecutor's Office said that there were Islamist statements made to the police officers who arrested the suspect in Berlin. In the Berlin State Criminal Police Office (LKA), Department 8, responsible for Islamism, is investigating.
Research by SPIEGEL now reveals details from the man's asylum history.
According to this, A. first traveled to Germany at the beginning of December 2015.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees declared his asylum application inadmissible in April 2016 - the Afghan had previously been registered in Eastern Europe.
According to the Dublin treaties, Bulgaria was responsible for processing his asylum application.
Extraordinary humanitarian reasons that could induce Germany to deal with A's case nonetheless are "not apparent," according to the Federal Office in its decision at the time.
Three months later, the state of Berlin deported Abdul Malik A.
As can be seen from confidential official documents, A. returned to Germany after only a short entry ban, applied for asylum again - and was recognized as a refugee in October 2017.
Since then A. has been doing odd jobs in Berlin.
Sometimes he was hired as a kitchen helper, sometimes as a waiter or employee in a hotel.
The authorities only extended his residence permit three months ago: it will run for another three years.
cmh, rol, srö