A high-profile trial commenced in Munich on Friday against Farhad N, a 25-year-old Afghan national accused of deliberately driving his car into a trade union demonstration in February 2025, resulting in two fatalities and dozens of injuries. The defendant, identified only by first name and initial in compliance with German privacy statutes, faces charges for what prosecutors describe as a religiously motivated attack.
Federal prosecutors presented evidence indicating Farhad N acted out of “excessive religious motivation,” believing himself obligated to target randomly selected Germans in retaliation for perceived Muslim suffering in Islamic nations. According to investigative reports, the defendant shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) and engaged in prayer immediately following the incident.
The victims included 37-year-old Amel, an engineer of Algerian descent who had resided in Germany since childhood, and her two-year-old daughter Hafsa. Both succumbed to their injuries shortly after being struck by the defendant’s BMW Mini. Among the 44 additional casualties, several sustained critical wounds requiring extensive medical treatment.
The demonstration involved approximately 1,400 municipal workers—including hospital staff and daycare employees—advocating for improved wage conditions. The trial location sits merely hundreds of meters from the actual attack site, creating a somber atmosphere throughout proceedings.
Despite evidence of Farhad N consuming online extremist content, authorities confirm no established connections to formal jihadist organizations like Islamic State. The defendant arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor in 2016 during the peak of Europe’s migrant crisis, which saw over one million asylum seekers enter the country. Although his asylum application was ultimately rejected, deportation measures were not implemented, granting him temporary residency status in Munich.
Records indicate Farhad N maintained legal employment as a security guard under valid work permits and had no prior criminal convictions. His Instagram activity revealed interests in bodybuilding alongside religious themes. The trial is projected to extend through June, with the defendant’s legal counsel declining to comment on either the allegations or personal circumstances.