Mother-to-be 'murdered by Muslim hater in witness box'

Stabbing: Marwa al-Sherbini and her husband Elqy Ali Okaz, who tried to protect her when she was attacked
Ed Harris12 April 2012

A man accused of stabbing a pregnant Egyptian woman to death in a courtroom went on trial today in the same building.

Alexander W, 29, whose full name has not been released, faces charges of murder, attempted murder and dangerous bodily harm over the killing of Marwa al-Sherbini, 31, in Dresden on 1 July.

The attack outraged Muslims, who called Mrs al-Sherbini "the headscarf martyr" and described it as evidence of Islamophobia.

Mrs al-Sherbini was giving evidence against her Russian-born alleged attacker, who was charged with defamation for calling her a "terrorist" and "Islamist", when she was attacked.

She died after being stabbed 18 times in front of her three-year-old son.

Alexander W is said to have stabbed Mrs al-Sherbini repeatedly with a seven-inch kitchen knife. Most German courts have no security measures.

Her husband Elwy Ali Okaz tried to protect his wife but was also stabbed, then was shot in the leg by a security guard.

Today about 200 police officers secured the court amid fears of a potential revenge attack. Egypt's German ambassador attended, as did Muslim rights groups.

"We expect a strong conviction," said Axel Köhler, head of Germany's Central Council of Muslims.

Members of Mrs al-Sherbini's family, including her husband, are co-plaintiffs, meaning they can review evidence and question witnesses.

Prosecutors said Alexander W was driven by a "hatred of non-Europeans and Muslims".

He could face life in prison. The trial is due to last 11 days.

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