Syrian convicted of Germany stabbing that sparked protests

BERLIN – A German court on Thursday convicted a Syrian man over a fatal stabbing in the city of Chemnitz last year that touched off far-right protests.

Judges convicted asylum-seeker Alaa S. of manslaughter and dangerous bodily harm in the killing last August of 35-year-old Daniel Hillig.

The 24-year-old defendant, whose last name wasn’t released in line with German privacy laws, was sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison, slightly less than the 10-year-sentence prosecutors had demanded.

German news agency dpa reported that the defendant had remained silent throughout much of the trial. He spoke only on the last day to say he hoped for a fair verdict.

Defence lawyers had called for their client to be acquitted, citing lack of evidence. After the verdict they announced plans to appeal and accused the court of allowing itself to be swayed by the political debate over the case.

Following the killing, thousands of neo-Nazis, members of the far-right Alternative for Germany party and others assembled in Chemnitz to protest against migration.

Chemnitz Mayor Barbara Ludwig had said ahead of the trial, which was held in nearby Dresden for security reasons, that she hoped the defendant would be convicted.

An Iraqi suspect in the case is still being sought on an international arrest warrant.