Murder Trial Begins in Dresden: Defendant Pleads Self-Defense
Introduction
A 29-year-old man from Görlitz is standing trial in Dresden’s district court, charged with murder. The defendant has pleaded self-defense, maintaining that he was acting in his own protection when he stabbed a 28-year-old man to death on April 15, 2024.
Prosecution’s Case
According to the prosecution, the defendant intentionally killed his rival in a fit of jealousy and anger. Senior Public Prosecutor Sebastian Matthieu alleges that the defendant, driven by wounded pride and a desire for revenge, lured the victim to a meeting in the city. During the encounter, Matthieu claims, the defendant produced a knife and stabbed the victim five times with lethal force.
The prosecutor alleges that the defendant had been consumed by a sense of betrayal after learning that the victim had dated or shown interest in his former girlfriends. This, Matthieu argues, fueled the defendant’s rage and prompted him to commit the murder in a premeditated and calculated manner.
Defendant’s Defense
Taking the stand, the defendant vehemently denied the accusations against him. He admitted to having stabbed the victim but maintained that he had done so in self-defense. The defendant recounted that the encounter had initially been amicable, but the situation escalated when the victim suddenly drew a knife on him.
"I was afraid," the defendant explained, adding that he had been able to disarm the victim during a struggle. "I stabbed him, but I don’t remember how many times." He claimed to have dropped the knife and fled the scene.
Witness Testimony
Several witnesses testified during the trial, including those who had found the victim’s body in the entrance of an apartment building. They described the victim as having suffered multiple stab wounds, including one that had pierced his heart.
Legal Analysis
The key issue in this trial is whether the defendant’s actions fall within the legal definition of self-defense. German criminal law recognizes self-defense as a legitimate justification for using force, but it requires that the force used be proportionate to the threat posed by the attacker.
The court must determine whether the defendant’s perception of danger was reasonable, whether his use of a knife was justified given the circumstances, and whether he exceeded the bounds of necessary self-defense by continuing to stab the victim after he had been disarmed.
Defendant’s Background
The defendant, who lacks formal education or employment, has been in custody since May 2025. His criminal record includes previous convictions for assault and battery.
Conclusion
The trial is ongoing. The court is expected to hear further testimony and expert evidence before reaching a verdict. The outcome will hinge on the court’s assessment of the defendant’s credibility, the strength of the prosecution’s case, and the legal principles governing self-defense in German criminal law.
