Hate crime?

Jewish student (30) beaten down in Berlin

A Jewish student was beaten and seriously injured in Berlin on Saturday night. The perpetrator is said to have been a fellow student. The reason for the attack was probably an argument about the victim's political activities.

The 30-year-old is an advocate for Jewish students at the Free University in Berlin. The victim was out with a 24-year-old acquaintance when the 23-year-old fellow student, who is said to hold pro-Palestinian views, confronted the two. According to the police, a verbal argument ensued, which soon turned violent.

Attacker fled, was arrested shortly afterwards
The 30-year-old was knocked down and then maltreated with kicks while lying on the ground. The victim had to be taken to hospital with several facial fractures. His suspected attacker, who had fled, was apprehended by the police a short time later at his home. According to media reports, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution also became involved in the investigation.

The 30-year-old's companion denied to the online edition of "Die Zeit" that there had been an argument between the two students. Rather, the 23-year-old had pointed out the man's commitment to his Jewish fellow students and then launched his attack.