Germany: 12 Syrians arrested over attempted killing of teen

BERLIN – German prosecutors say 12 Syrians have been arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of a 19-year-old compatriot who suffered life-threatening injuries in a stabbing two months ago.

Prosecutors in the western city of Essen said Thursday that the attack was apparently prompted by the teenager’s relationship with a 19-year-old Syrian woman married to one of the suspects.

Chief prosecutor Birgit Juergens said those arrested include the husband’s parents. She said the suspects allegedly decided to kill the victim to avenge the family’s ‘honour,’ after seeing photos of him and the woman online.

Three of the suspects were arrested in May. Six others were arrested Wednesday and three handed themselves in to police. They are between 22 and 46 years old.