An unsettling incident in Sarstedt has left a community in shock after a 61-year-old operator of a refugee shelter was fatally stabbed by an Iraqi migrant during an argument. The altercation, which occurred at a converted hotel serving as an asylum shelter, escalated quickly, resulting in the victim succumbing to his injuries shortly after the attack. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended nine hours later by special police forces, leading to questions about safety and the challenges faced by those working in asylum centers across Europe. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have ruled out any terrorist motive, focusing instead on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
RMX: An Iraqi migrant was arrested on Monday after stabbing to death a 61-year-old operator of an asylum shelter in Sarstedt.
Police stated that the asylum seeker allegedly got into an argument with the victim, who owns a hotel that has been converted into a refugee shelter. At some point, the Iraqi man “stabbed him,” according to police.
Following the crime, which occurred around noon, the Iraqi man fled. The victim, who was from Hannover, died shortly thereafter from his wounds.
Around nine hours later, the perpetrator was apprehended and arrested by special police forces.
Police discovered a knife near the scene of the crime, which police are examining to determine if it was the murder weapon.
“The 35-year-old is currently in police custody. The public prosecutor’s office has applied to the court for pre-trial detention,” the authorities announced.
The police ruled out any terrorist motive on Monday.
🇮🇹🔥14 Migrants Arrested for Asylum Center Riot in ItalyThe men set fire to mattresses, burned one vehicle, and pelted police with projectiles. pic.twitter.com/m0uPj4AXdl— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) February 8, 2024
The prosecuting authorities were able to track down the man on the basis of witness statements and the analysis of a surveillance camera, among other things.
As Remix News has reported in the past, working at an asylum shelter in Europe can be a dangerous business. Last year, an Iraqi migrant poured boiling oil over two employees at an asylum shelter, scarring the women for life.
“She has not been able to work, she is incapacitated. She worked there with heart and soul and is now scarred for life,” said Nino Pennino, a personal injury attorney for one of the victims, months after the attack.
Also, last year, a 23-year-old Tunisian was arrested for stabbing a 20-year-old employee at an asylum center in the eastern German port city of Rostock.
In 2022, an immigration office in the western German city of Wuppertal was closed after an employee was stabbed several times by a 20-year-old Syrian national.
According to the Bild newspaper, the assailant stormed into the “House of Integration” building shortly before 9 a.m. local time on Thursday, “jumped over the reception desk in the entrance area, and suddenly stabbed the woman,” at random.
In 2021, the head of an asylum center was murdered in the French city of Pau by a Sudanese asylum seeker.