Headlines
German court orders Afghan who killed toddler in knife attack into care
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on October 30, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Summary
A German court ordered psychiatric care for an Afghan who fatally stabbed two people, influencing migration policies and supporting the AfD.
German Court Places Afghan National in Psychiatric Care After Stabbing
By Tilman Blasshofer
ASCHAFFENBURG, Germany (Reuters) -A German judge ordered an Afghan national to be sent into psychiatric care after he fatally stabbed two people, including a toddler, nine months ago in an attack that shocked the country.
Prosecutors had argued that the man, identified as Enamullah O. in line with German privacy laws, killed a German man and a two-year-old in January as he attacked a kindergarten group in the western city of Aschaffenburg.
The man, who was 28 at the time, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and the hearing was a special legal procedure rather than a criminal trial, as he was deemed not criminally responsible due to his mental condition.
A court spokesperson confirmed the ruling that he be taken into psychiatric care.
The attack took place a month before Germany's federal election in February and contributed to a decision by now-Chancellor Friedrich Merz to introduce stricter migration policies and tighten border controls.
It was one of a string of violent attacks which raised concerns over migration and fuelled support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is topping some opinion polls.
(Reporting by Tilman BlasshoferWriting by Madeline Chambers; editing by Matthias Williams and Gareth Jones)
Key Takeaways
- •German court orders psychiatric care for Afghan attacker.
- •The attack involved the fatal stabbing of two individuals.
- •The attacker was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
- •Incident influenced Germany's migration policy changes.
- •Attack fueled support for the far-right AfD party.
Frequently Asked Questions about German court orders Afghan who killed toddler in knife attack into care
1What is paranoid schizophrenia?
Paranoid schizophrenia is a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by delusions and hallucinations, often involving themes of persecution or conspiracy.
2What is a criminal trial?
A criminal trial is a legal proceeding in which a person is accused of committing a crime and is judged by a court to determine their guilt or innocence.
3What are migration policies?
Migration policies are regulations and laws that govern the movement of people across borders, often addressing issues such as immigration, asylum, and border control.
4What is a court ruling?
A court ruling is a decision made by a judge or court regarding a legal matter, which can include verdicts, sentences, or orders for action.
