The trial of two Syrian brothers accused of a series of violent crimes, including rape, hostage-taking, and attempted human smuggling, began on Monday at the regional court in Kiel, Germany.
The older brother, aged 35, is facing charges of multiple rapes, unlawful imprisonment, and driving without a license. His 26-year-old brother is accused of aiding in the abduction of the woman and their children.
According to the prosecution, the 35-year-old raped his wife — whom he is married to under Syrian law — on multiple occasions, including in November 2022 and again in May 2024. In at least one instance, he is alleged to have tied her up in their shared apartment in Rendsburg.
As reported by the Welt newspaper, prosecutor Hanna Schmücker-Borgwardt told the court that the man wanted to take his wife and children to the United Kingdom in order to keep her away from the influence and protection of her family.
The brothers allegedly waited outside the woman’s parents’ home, and when she left with two of her three children, they threatened her and forced her into their vehicle. She was reportedly locked in the trunk while the children were placed in the back seat. The group began the trip to northern France, but disagreements during the journey led the younger brother to abandon the plan and leave the vehicle near Hanover.
The older brother continued toward France with his wife and children, eventually reaching Calais via the Netherlands and Belgium. There, they resided in a migrant camp while seeking help from smugglers to cross into the United Kingdom. The man allegedly raped his wife again while they were sleeping in a tent.
French authorities eventually apprehended the man, and both brothers are now in custody at the Neumünster correctional facility. In addition to the rape and kidnapping charges, both are accused of hostage-taking and driving without a license.
Before the trial began, the victim’s legal counsel requested that the public be excluded from the proceedings due to the sensitive nature of the case. However, presiding Judge Theresa Wiese denied the request, citing no substantial risk of undue public exposure for the victim.
Both defendants have so far refused to testify and are seeking acquittals.
The court is expected to deliver a verdict on Sept. 23.
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