German national arrested on suspicion of carrying out arson attack in Solingen
German authorities arrest one on suspicion of carrying out an arson attack in Solingen which claimed the lives of four Turkish-Bulgarian nationals on March 25
A German national has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out an arson attack in Solingen, which resulted in the tragic deaths of four members of a Turkish-origin Bulgarian family two weeks ago, as reported by local media Wednesday.
According to German newspaper Bild Daily, the suspect was taken into custody following an assault on his friend on April 8 afternoon, causing serious injuries.
Authorities discovered incriminating evidence in the suspect's apartment, linking him to the arson attack that occurred last month.
The 39-year-old suspect's motive remains unclear at this stage.
However, investigators have disclosed to the media that he was a former resident of the housing complex where the arson took place.
In 2022, he was reportedly evicted from his apartment due to non-payment of rent.
What happened?
The tragic fire on the night of March 25 claimed the lives of four members of a Turkish-Bulgarian family and left more than a dozen others injured, some with severe injuries.
The majority of residents in the four-story house were immigrants, and among the injured were Turkish nationals.
In response to the incident, rights groups and immigrant organizations have called for a prompt and transparent investigation into the arson.
They emphasize the importance of exploring all potential motives, including the possibility of a far-right agenda behind the attack.
Racism on the rise in Germany
Recent years have seen a rise in racism in Germany, largely fueled by the propaganda of far-right groups and anti-immigrant politicians and political parties.
Statistics from last year between January and October reveal that right-wing extremists were responsible for 13,610 crimes, including 559 violent attacks targeting migrants, refugees or political opponents.
Nearly 450 individuals sustained injuries in these assaults.
Solingen experienced a similarly devastating arson attack three decades ago.
In 1993, five members of a Turkish immigrant family perished in a fire set by neo-Nazis, marking one of the most appalling incidents of racist violence in modern Germany.
The perpetrators, four right-wing extremists, were arrested by police and subsequently sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.
Following the completion of their sentences, they were released.
Source: Newsroom
