Munich court gives Afghan man life term in car attack

A Munich court has sentenced an Afghan man to life in prison for a car-ramming attack that killed a two-year-old girl and her mother and injured dozens more, according to Dawn World.

The verdict was delivered on Thursday, with judges finding Farhad N. guilty of two counts of murder, 23 counts of attempted murder and 22 counts of bodily harm, including 19 serious injuries. The court also ruled that the case carried particular gravity of guilt, a finding that makes early release far less likely.

The ruling closes a major trial over an attack that shocked Germany and intensified discussion about security and immigration in the period before last year’s general election. It also took place on the eve of the Munich Security Conference, one of the country’s highest-profile events for political and defence leaders.

How the attack unfolded

According to the court account reported by Dawn World, Farhad N. drove a Mini Cooper around a police car before accelerating into a trade union march in Munich. The march was said to have about 1,400 participants.

The impact threw a 37-year-old woman and her young daughter through the air for about 10 metres. Both suffered severe head injuries and died several days later.

Presiding judge Michael Hoehne said the mother had chosen to stand at the back of the march because she believed the police presence there made it safer. He described the scene after the crash as a 12-metre-wide area filled with debris. He also said some of those injured are still dealing with the effects of the attack.

Court findings and sentencing

The court said the only reason the attack was not more deadly was that the number of people the vehicle struck slowed the car and eventually brought it to a stop. Farhad N. showed no emotion as the verdict was read.

The life sentence marks one of the most serious penalties under German law, and the designation of particular gravity of guilt means the defendant is much less likely to be considered for release.

Dawn World reported that prosecutors also raised questions of online radicalisation during the case, though the source report provided only limited detail on that point.

Why the case matters

The Munich car-ramming attack became part of a wider national debate about public safety and migration, particularly after a series of incidents involving foreign nationals in the lead-up to the election. It drew added attention because of its timing and the large public gathering targeted.

For Munich, the verdict offers a legal conclusion to a case that left deep scars on victims and the wider community. For many residents, the attack remains associated with grief, fear and the vulnerability of crowded public events.

FAQ

What did the Munich court decide?

The court sentenced Farhad N. to life in prison and found him guilty of murder, attempted murder and bodily harm.

How many people died in the attack?

Two people died: a two-year-old girl and her mother.

Did the court say the sentence could lead to early release?

The judges said the case involved particular gravity of guilt, which makes early release much less likely.

What was the attack linked to politically?

It fed into debate in Germany over immigration and security ahead of the general election.