By Sarah Lafen
Impunity Watch Desk Reporter, Europe
BERLIN, Germany — A 27-year old Syrian detonated an explosive backpack near the entrance to a music festival in the German town Ansbach on July 25, killing himself and injuring 15 people with injuries ranging from serious to non-life threatening. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann stated that the backpack explosive device contained nails and screws, a measure indicative of an attempt to inflict widespread damage onto others. The bomber was rejected entry to the festival because he did not have a ticket to the event, and was seen lingering around the outside seating area of a wine restaurant around 10pm right before the bomb was detonated.
The suicide bomber left behind a video on his cell phone pledging his allegiance to ISIS, and stated that the attack was revenge against Germans because they “obstruct Islam”. Upon searching the bomber’s room after the attack, police also found bomb-making materials, as well as computer images and film clips linked to ISIS. The bomber arrived in Germany in 2014 and applied for asylum, however found out two weeks ago that his application as denied, and he would have been deported to Bulgaria within 30 days of the denial. Within the past two years, he had been in trouble with local authorities for drug-related offenses, and was under psychiatric observation following two previous suicide attempts.
This attack occurs in the midst of widespread criticism of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s lenient immigration policy. This past week alone, Germany has been the target of several violent attacks linked to ISIS, including a shooting rampage at a shopping mall in Munich and an ax attack on a train in Wurzburg.
Despite its loose immigration policy, Germany has been taking steps over the past couple of months to tighten security regarding asylum seekers in hopes of limiting the number of refugees who enter the country. A newly proposed law would help speed up the application process for refugees, quickening the deportation process for those who are denied asylum. Berlin has been in the process of negotiating a deal with Turkey to take back their citizens who are denied asylum in Germany. These efforts seem to be successful, as the number of refugees arriving in Germany has fallen dramatically over the past year.
For more information, please see:
CNN — Ansbach Bomber in Germany Pledged Allegiance to ISIS Leader — 26 July 2016
DW — As Attacks Rattle Germany, Chancellor Merkel Finds Herself in the Spotlight — 25 July 2016
NBC — 12 Injured, Bomber Killed Outside German Music Festival — 25 July 2016
Reuters — Bavarian Bomber Pledged Allegiance to Islamic State: Minister — 25 July 2016
