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Swiss train station stabber held for attempted murder

Winterthur train station
Three people were injured in the knife attack in Winterthur Keystone / Claudio Thoma

Swiss prosecutors have requested pre-trial detention for a man who stabbed three commuters at Winterthur train station.

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The Federal Prosecutor’s Office is conducting criminal proceedings on suspicion of multiple counts of attempted murder and supporting a terrorist organisation.

The focus of the investigation is now on the motive for the attack in Winterthur on Thursday. “This also includes a thorough review of the suspected perpetrator’s background,” according to a statement from the Federal Prosecutor’s Office.

The primary focus at present is the hypothesis of a terrorist-motivated attack. The presumption of innocence applies until a legally binding verdict is reached.

The 31-year-old previously convicted Islamist had turned himself in to the police on Monday in a confused state. He was admitted to a psychiatric hospital under protective custody but was released on Wednesday.

The following day, the suspect stabbed three people at Winterthur train station.

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Adapted from German by AI/mga

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