- Violent Stabbing Incidents Targeting Females in Berlin
Sinister Incidents in Berlin: Two Female Lives Lost in Stabbing Attacks, Possibly by the Same Perpetrator
In a chilling turn of events, two women were reportedly murdered within a week's time in Berlin, both suspected to be the work of a male assailant. On a Friday night in Friedrichsfelde district, a 28-year-old woman met her demise following a stabbing attack. This tragic incident followed closely the alleged stabbing murder of a 36-year-old woman in Berlin-Zehlendorf by her ex-husband a few days prior. Another stabbing attack on a woman occurred in Reinickendorf district, but thankfully, the situation was averted before it escalated further.
28-year-old's Fate Sealed in the Hallway
On Friday night, the 28-year-old woman was discovered with critical injuries in the hallway of an apartment building, as reported by the prosecution and police. Regrettably, resuscitation efforts proved futile, and she passed away in the hospital shortly after. According to "Bild," this grim situation had transpired previously.
A 45-year-old suspect was apprehended by police, who confirmed that he was the former partner of the deceased woman. The suspect is allegedly responsible for stabbing the 28-year-old multiple times with a knife and inflicting severe injuries. Evidence of domestic abuse was found in their relationship, according to Sebastian Büchner, spokesperson for the Berlin prosecution, who spoke with the German Press Agency. The suspect is currently being detained by the police. The woman's two children from another relationship were not present at the scene during the incident.
The woman's nationality remained undetermined by the prosecution spokesperson. A homicide investigation is ongoing, involving both the homicide unit and the Berlin prosecution.
Horror Just Days Earlier
A few days prior, on a Wednesday night, a woman was found stabbed to death on a street in the Zehlendorf district of Berlin, allegedly by her ex-husband. The 36-year-old mother of four children perished in this senseless act of violence. The 50-year-old man is now in police custody.
Police suspect a "femicide," meaning the woman was killed due to her gender. Domestic violence by a partner or ex-partner is one of the most frequent culprits.
The victim had previously suffered physical abuse at the hands of her husband. Eventually, she separated from him and obtained a restraining order and a no-contact order through the court.
Attempted Homicide
Just a day after that, another stabbing took place. A man attacked a woman in an apartment in Berlin with a kitchen knife and attempted to choke her. The police and prosecution are treating this as an attempted homicide, which unfolded in Reinickendorf district on Friday evening.
The woman's two children, an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old, fled to the street to seek help and coincidentally stumbled upon police officers. The man, who was still attacking the woman at the time, was apprehended by the officers.
The woman sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital, while the suspect is now being held in police custody. Both individuals are believed to be of Ghanaian origin, according to the authorities.
The woman had taken in the suspect as a guest for a week before the incident, Büchner revealed. As of now, it remains unclear whether the man and the woman had a previous relationship beyond their acquaintance. Investigations are underway to determine whether the man should be committed to a psychiatric facility instead of being detained.
Call for Action to Protect Victims
Lisa Paus, the Federal Family Minister, expressed concern over the escalating violence against women in Germany. "Our country is grappling with a severe issue of violence against women, which must be resolved," said the Green politician. "We require more than just a security package against terrorist knife attackers; we also need measures to prevent and protect women from violence."
She is working on a so-called Violence Assistance Act, which would provide assistance to all victims of violence.
Berlin's Justice Senator Felor Badenberg issued a call for action, saying, "We must finally address these brutal murders of men against women." She referred to the incidents as "pure misogyny." Badenberg urged the Justice Minister to incorporate ankle monitors in the Violence Protection Act as a means of keeping perpetrators under surveillance.
There are ongoing discussions at the state level as to whether and how legal changes and preventive measures could be implemented to address the issue.
Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) had previously expressed support for using electronic ankle monitors to combat domestic violence and is open to exploring their potential use. However, the states have jurisdiction over police law and the use of ankle monitors. He is currently examining the possibility of a federal legal framework for their implementation.
Recent court rulings on murders of women by the relatives in Berlin
Last year, two brothers from Afghanistan killed their sister in Berlin due to her desire for personal independence, sparking widespread outrage. The brothers concealed her body in a suitcase and transported it to southern Germany, where they buried it in a forest. The court sentenced the brothers to life imprisonment.
In 2023, the husband of an Afghan woman with six children was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering her out of revenge. The court found that he considered her as his property and sentenced him based on his selfish, cunning, manipulative, and malicious behavior.
Women in Berlin Under Threat
The recent stabbing attacks in Berlin have left the community in shock, with two women from different districts losing their lives within a week.
Deep Concern for Women's Safety
The tragic incidents have sparked significant concern for the safety of women in Berlin, with calls for tighter measures to protect them from potential harm.
