Court confirms: Islamist receives life sentence for knife attack

The Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court imposed the maximum sentence on Mahmoud M. for attempted murder. Der Spiegel reports that the 36-year-old stabbed bar guests with a knife in May 2025 in Bielefeld, leaving four people with life-threatening injuries. The fifth person attacked suffered minor injuries.

The court found it proven that M. committed the act out of Islamist conviction. Die Süddeutsche Zeitung writes that the Federal Prosecutor's Office classifies the man as a supporter of the terrorist organization Islamic State and continues to assess him as highly dangerous. The judge found the defendant lacking in awareness of wrongdoing and remorse towards the victims.

Serious injuries and societal debate

The four surviving victims suffered serious injuries. Stern documents that the young people were celebrating that evening before the attacker struck. The act occurred a year ago in Bielefeld's city centre and sparked debates about security and prevention.

The verdict is final. Le Monde reports that according to the prosecution, M. intended to kill as many people as possible. The court proceedings showed that the defendant remained loyal to ISIS and demonstrated no insight into the severity of his actions.