Issa al-Hassan, a 26-year-old Syrian refugee from a poor neighborhood in Damascus, shocked his family when news broke that he was the suspect in a fatal knife attack in Solingen, Germany. The attack claimed three lives and left eight others injured.

The Family’s Struggles and Issa’s Past

Issa’s family had fled Syria multiple times due to war, ultimately settling in a cramped room in Damascus. His sister, Fatima, described him as non-religious and not involved with extremist groups. Issa had moved to Germany to escape violence and build a better future.

Impact on Germany’s Asylum Policies

The Solingen attack has ignited debates in Germany about tightening asylum procedures and deportations. Recent crimes by refugee suspects have spurred the government to implement stricter immigration policies, including deportations of dangerous individuals like the Afghan refugees.

Government’s Response and Security Measures

Following these incidents, the German government has begun deporting convicted refugees and plans to tighten security and asylum policies, including banning knives at public events.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.