The mayor of a small town in Western Germany has survived a knife attack possibly linked to his liberal immigration policies.
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The mayor of a small town in Western Germany has survived a knife attack possibly linked to his liberal immigration policies.
Under Andreas Hollstein’s leadership, the town of Altena has taken in more refugees than it was allocated.
Hollstein says the attacker accused him of being left to die of thirst while he brought 200 refugees to Altena. He then put a knife to his neck.
The attack took place in a kebab shop and Hollstein escaped with a shallow cut when the shop owner and his son came to his aid.
Police say the man had a history of mental health problems and was not part of an organised far-right network, describing his attack as “spontaneous”.
The attack has prompted widespread shock and condemnation from officials including German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In a tweet through her spokesman, she said she was horrified by the knife attack against mayor Hollstein. But was relieved he was back with his family.