• A Syrian man goes on trial for a stabbing attack that killed three at a festival in Germany.
• Issa Al Hasan pleaded guilty to multiple charges including murder and membership in a terrorist organization.
• The attack has intensified debates on immigration in Germany ahead of national elections.

A Syrian man identified as Issa Al Hasan began his trial in Germany concerning a fatal knife attack that resulted in the deaths of three individuals at a "Festival for Diversity" in Solingen last August. Facing charges including three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and membership in the Islamic State (IS) group, Hasan, who was an asylum seeker, admitted to committing a "grave crime" during the proceedings. He acknowledged, "Three people died at my hands," and expressed a desire for a life sentence, according to Indiatimes and Channel News Asia.

The attack, which occurred at a mid-summer festival celebrating the city's 650th anniversary, shocked the nation and raised significant security concerns. Prosecutors stated that Hasan targeted individuals he viewed as "nonbelievers" to exact "revenge against them for the military actions of Western states." He had allegedly received encouragement from an IS contact shortly before the attack, as indicated by communications obtained by authorities, according to Los Angeles Times and Channel News Asia.

In his statement, Hasan expressed remorse for the victims, saying, "I killed and injured innocent people, not unbelievers." This change in his narrative from a jihadist to acknowledging the guilt of harming civilians illustrates the complex motivations surrounding his actions. The case has reignited debates on Germany's immigration policies, especially the handling of asylum seekers who are slated for deportation but manage to avoid removal, as highlighted by Indiatimes and Los Angeles Times.