Deportation of Suspect in Wismar Knife Attack
Four days after a knife attack on a 63-year-old woman in Wismar, authorities have deported the 21-year-old Iranian suspect to Greece. The Ministry of the Interior in Schwerin announced this decision. According to Interior Minister Christian Pegel (SPD), the man was already granted refugee status in Greece, which is why he was returned there.
The 21-year-old had repeatedly come into contact with the police in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, including cases of robbery, threats, trespassing, assault, and assault on law enforcement officers. The deportation to Greece was carried out from a court-ordered detention center where the young man was being held.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the man allegedly attacked and injured a woman in Wismar-Nord suddenly and without apparent reason on Sunday. The 63-year-old was walking with her dog when she was attacked. She sustained a stab wound on her left thigh and was taken to a hospital with an approximately three-centimeter-long laceration.
On Friday, the Interior Committee of the state parliament will address the three knife attacks in Rostock, Schwerin, and Wismar.
Concerns Raised over Abschiebung of Suspect
The decision to deport the suspect to Greece has raised concerns among some politicians and human rights organizations. They argue that Greece has a poor record in dealing with asylum seekers and refugees, and that the suspect could face mistreatment or even danger there.
Human Rights Watch has documented several cases of asylum seekers being subjected to violence and abuse in Greece. The organization also criticized the country’s asylum procedures, which it says are often unfair and opaque.
Previous Criminal Record of Suspect
The suspect’s extensive criminal record in Germany has also been highlighted by some commentators. They argue that this should have been taken into account when considering his deportation to Greece.
However, Interior Minister Pegel defended the decision, saying that the suspect’s refugee status in Greece outweighed his criminal record in Germany. He also emphasized that the suspect posed a danger to public safety and had to be removed from the country.
Impact on Asylum Seekers and Refugees
The deportation of the Iranian suspect could have a negative impact on the perception of asylum seekers and refugees in Germany. It may lead to increased distrust and fear towards these vulnerable groups.
Politicians and human rights organizations have called for a more humane and compassionate approach to dealing with asylum seekers and refugees. They argue that these individuals should be treated with dignity and respect, and that their safety and well-being should be a top priority.
The upcoming meeting of the Interior Committee of the state parliament will provide an opportunity to discuss these concerns and explore ways to improve the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees in Germany and beyond.
