Key Findings
The Bavarian authorities have acknowledged that an administrative error allowed an Afghan citizen with psychiatric problems to remain in the country. This individual was responsible for a violent attack in a park in southern Germany, which resulted in the deaths of a two-year-old child and a 41-year-old passerby.
Background Information
The suspect had arrived in Germany in November 2022 and applied for asylum, which was rejected by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in June 2023. However, due to a delay in notification, the six-month period for deportation to Bulgaria, as per the Dublin mechanism, had expired.
Investigation and Response
The Bavarian Interior Minister, Joachim Herrman, has attributed the responsibility for the error to the BAMF. An investigation into the attack is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest that the suspect had a history of aggressive behavior and psychiatric problems. The authorities are still determining whether the suspect could have been deported prior to the attack.
Previous Incidents
German media reports indicate that the suspect had previously exhibited violent behavior, including attacking another refugee with a knife. Despite being admitted to a psychiatric center on multiple occasions, he was repeatedly returned to the refugee shelter, where he continued to pose a threat to others.
Aftermath
The attack has sparked widespread concern and outrage, particularly given the young age of the victims. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of Germany’s asylum and deportation processes, as well as the need for improved support and resources for individuals with psychiatric problems.