A 24-year-old Syrian man, Hamza A., has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 17-year-old Malak in Menden, Germany. The court found that he premeditatedly doused her with gasoline and set her on fire at the doorstep of her family’s home on March 22, 2023.
The brutal attack was aimed at inflicting the maximum emotional pain on his ex-fiancée, whom he had previously abused. Malak, the sister of his ex, tragically succumbed to her injuries 17 days later after enduring excruciating suffering.
Hamza A. had planned the attack meticulously, bringing gasoline canisters to the family home with the intent to kill whoever answered the door. After dousing Malak, he set her ablaze, leaving her family devastated. His actions were motivated by revenge, seeking to torment his ex-fiancée, who had separated from him months prior due to his violent behavior. Hamza A. had threatened her repeatedly, and this heinous act was intended to cause her the “greatest possible psychological damage.”
In addition to the murder charge, the court convicted him of grievous bodily harm and aggravated arson, as his actions endangered other residents of the building. Judge Petja Pagel highlighted the “particular gravity of the guilt” and ruled that Hamza A. would not be eligible for parole after 15 years, a standard term under German law for life sentences.
The verdict has been met with widespread outrage at the horrific nature of the crime, but also relief that justice has been served for Malak and her grieving family. Hamza A.’s defense attorney plans to appeal the decision, though it is clear that the court views his actions as premeditated and monstrously cruel.
