German Newspaper: Syrian Arrested for Attacking Government Buildings

German police vehicles outside government buildings following the arrest of a Syrian suspect – Source: North Press
German police vehicles outside government buildings following the arrest of a Syrian suspect – Source: North Press

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – German authorities arrested a 48-year-old Syrian refugee on Tuesday for multiple attacks on government buildings in Berlin over consecutive days, according to the German newspaper Bild.

The man reportedly targeted the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Chancellery, where German Chancellor Olaf Scholz works, raising concerns about security and political motives behind the incidents.

Details of the Incidents

The most recent attack occurred on Friday at the Chancellery. Witnesses reported that the suspect waved his hands near the gate, seemingly attempting to draw attention to himself. He then pulled a large stone from a plastic bag and hurled it at the Chancellery office.

The stone was smeared with feces, Bild revealed. Federal police arrested the suspect on-site and launched a criminal investigation on charges of property damage.

In a separate incident, the same individual reportedly approached the Federal Ministry of the Interior, demanding to speak with Chancellor Scholz about the situation in Gaza. When his request was denied, he smashed a bulletproof glass panel at the Ministry’s gate, according to police sources.

Suspected Motive

German authorities suggest that the suspect’s actions were politically motivated, citing apparent anti-Israel sentiments as a possible driving factor.

Bild reported that during his confrontation at the Ministry, the man expressed grievances related to the Gaza conflict. These actions have raised alarm about the growing intersections between refugee issues and political extremism in Germany.

Criminal Record and Ongoing Investigations

The suspect is reportedly already known to German police. He faces charges of fraud and resisting police officers in previous cases. Prosecutors in Cologne and Osnabrück have active warrants for his arrest, while a district court in Mannheim has also opened investigations related to his activities.

This series of attacks has drawn criticism over how repeat offenders are monitored and managed within Germany’s justice system.

Broader Implications

The incidents highlight ongoing tensions in Germany concerning refugee integration, security, and political activism. They also raise questions about the role of refugees in addressing international conflicts, such as the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian crisis.

German officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, though the case is likely to fuel political debates about security policies and the handling of individuals with extremist views.