Two Syrian nationals accused of raping a 27-year-old woman on top of a parked car have demanded a male interpreter during their trial at Düsseldorf Regional Court, with one defendant stating he was “ashamed to be interpreted by a woman.”
Saad A., 33, and Ahmed A., 40, appeared in court on Tuesday facing allegations they were part of a three-man group that assaulted the victim on 29 June 2025 in the city’s historic district. A third suspect remains at large.
Despite protests from Saad A. about the female interpreter assigned to the case, the trial will proceed with the existing arrangement. Both defendants will also be sentenced by a female judge if found guilty, with each man facing up to 15 years in prison.
Prosecutors claim the assault occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m. at Stiftsplatz in Düsseldorf’s historic district. The heavily intoxicated victim was allegedly lifted onto the hood of a parked car where the attack took place, with the woman described as incapacitated and “showing almost no reactions.”
The indictment alleges a systematic assault where the defendants took turns raping the victim whilst two others acted as lookouts. A witness walking by observed the incident despite the suspects’ attempts to conceal their actions.
Other people nearby questioned what was happening, with one witness reporting that Ahmed A. claimed to know the victim, mocked her drunken state, and said “She needs this.” When confronted about this statement, Ahmed A. reportedly charged at the witnesses gathered, screaming that he “would also commit a crime against them.”
According to Bild, the witnesses demonstrated bravery and forced the perpetrators to flee before immediately contacting emergency services. They escorted the victim to a police vehicle at the nearby Burgplatz.
Police arrested Ahmed A. and Saad A. the same night based on witness statements and other evidence. Investigators obtained DNA evidence from the victim’s body, which forms the main piece of forensic evidence in the case alongside witness testimony.
Both men require interpreters during the trial proceedings. The controversy over the female interpreter emerged during opening proceedings when Saad A. expressed his discomfort through translation services.
The court has not indicated any willingness to accommodate the defendant’s request regarding interpretation arrangements. The trial continues with the female judge presiding and the female interpreter providing translation services.
Prosecutors maintain the defendants were aware the woman was incapacitated by alcohol at the time of the alleged assault. The indictment claims it was unmistakably clear she was unable to consent to any sexual activity.
The third suspect involved in the alleged assault has not been captured, with police continuing efforts to locate and apprehend the individual. Authorities have not disclosed whether this person has been identified or what specific role they allegedly played.
The trial at Düsseldorf Regional Court will hear full witness testimony from those who intervened to stop the assault, alongside forensic evidence collected from the scene and the victim. Defence counsel for both defendants will challenge the prosecution’s case and present their arguments.
