German federal prosecutors have asked a Munich court to impose a life sentence with a finding of particular severity of guilt in the trial over a car attack on a Verdi trade union march on 13 February 2025. The attack killed a mother and her daughter and injured many others. The 25-year-old Afghan defendant faces two murder counts, 22 counts of attempted murder and 22 counts of aggravated bodily harm; prosecutors say the act was religiously motivated. Defence statements are scheduled ahead of a verdict expected on 6 August.
Prosecutors Seek Life Term After Deadly Munich Car-Ramming At Verdi March
The defendant, Farhad N, covers his face as he stands in the courtroom next to his attorney Oemer Sahinci (R) and court officials. Farhad N is charged with two counts of murder following a car attack on a demonstration in Munich on February 13, 2025. (is associated with: «Life sentence sought in deadly Munich car attack trial») Elke Richter/dpa
German federal prosecutors on Tuesday urged the Munich Higher Regional Court to impose a life sentence in the trial over a car attack that struck a Verdi trade union march in Munich on 13 February 2025.
Prosecutors' Case
“The act was — and this must be stated plainly — designed to destroy human lives,” one of the prosecution representatives told the court during a closing address that lasted about two hours.
The prosecutor added:
“There is no doubt that the defendant deliberately steered the car into the crowd.”
The defendant, Farhad N, covers his face as he stands in the courtroom next to his attorney, Johann Bund. Farhad N is charged with two counts of murder following a car attack on a demonstration in Munich on February 13, 2025. (is associated with: «Life sentence sought in deadly Munich car attack trial») Elke Richter/dpa
Victims and Charges
The attack killed a mother and her young daughter and left many others wounded, some with life-threatening injuries. Federal prosecutors have charged the 25-year-old Afghan national with two counts of murder, attempted murder in 22 cases and, in a further 22 cases, predominantly aggravated bodily harm.
Legal Implications
Prosecutors asked the court not only for a life sentence but also for a legal finding of “particular severity of guilt.” Under German law, that determination makes parole after 15 years substantially less likely.
Motivation and Context
Authorities describe the attack as a religiously motivated political act. Prosecutors told the court the defendant viewed the attack as complying with the will of Allah and as a justified response to the actions of the US and other Western states in Gaza and Afghanistan. They also said personal emotional factors contributed, arguing the defendant channelled anger, disappointment and bitterness against people who played no part in the events shaping his mindset.
FILE PHOTO - White roses and tulips lie on the ground, while men and women shine lights—including flashlights, smartphones, string lights, and other sources of light—at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz in Munich. Under the slogan "Never Again Is Now," numerous people commemorated the victims of the attack on February 13, 2025, when a car ploughed into a verdi demonstration. (is associated with: «Life sentence sought in deadly Munich car attack trial») Pia Bayer/dpa
Next Steps in the Trial
After the prosecution presented closing arguments on Tuesday, lawyers representing co-plaintiffs — and possibly co-plaintiffs themselves — were due to make their statements in the afternoon. The defence closing argument and the defendant's final statement were scheduled for Wednesday. The court expects to deliver a verdict on 6 August.
Courtroom Scene And Public Reaction
In the courtroom, the defendant — named as Farhad N — stood beside his lawyer, Johann Bund, covering his face as proceedings continued. A file photograph from the aftermath showed white roses and tulips at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz in Munich, where people gathered to commemorate the victims under the slogan “Never Again Is Now.”
Reporting from Munich. All facts reported reflect statements and filings presented in court.
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