Brothers before Berlin Regional Court: Prosecution alleges revenge for killed cousin

The public prosecutor's office accuses the two brothers of joint murder as well as another crime. According to the Berlin Regional Court, the trial will be held with reference to special security interests, among other things. Several hearing dates have initially been scheduled. The court has summoned witnesses, including persons who can provide information about the mass brawl in Gesundbrunnen.

Background: Mass brawl in Gesundbrunnen

According to earlier investigations, the confrontation on July 13, 2025, is said to have been a violent clash involving around 40 to 60 participants. The defendants' cousin sustained fatal stab wounds. Backgrounds to the cause of the mass brawl as well as to the possible involvement of alleged Turkish and Kurdish groups will be examined in the ongoing proceedings.

On the day of the shooting in Weißensee, according to the prosecutors' conviction, the victim was attacked by surprise. He had been about to get into his vehicle when the brothers fired at him from a hiding place. Despite emergency medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The exact course of events is the subject of the taking of evidence.

Course of the crime in Weißensee

The defense has already disputed the charges, according to information from the dpa news channel, and announced that it would critically scrutinize the witnesses' statements. In addition, the question is to play a role as to what extent the crime was actually committed in revenge for the cousin or whether other motives existed. A statement from the defendants themselves was still pending at the start of the trial.

Observers expect a longer trial, as several witnesses from two different crime complexes must be heard. In addition to the actual shooting in Weißensee, the court is also dealing with the events of the mass brawl in Gesundbrunnen, which is considered to be the trigger.

Increased security precautions

According to the judicial administration, the security precautions in front of the Berlin Regional Court have been increased. This is intended to ensure that the main trial proceeds without disruption. The hearing dates have not been made public in order to avoid possible disturbances.

If the panel considers a revenge intent to be proven, the defendants face life imprisonment for murder. In the event of a conviction for joint manslaughter, a lesser but also lengthy prison sentence would be possible. The taking of evidence is to be continued in the coming weeks.

Possible sentence in the event of conviction

The case has attracted attention beyond Berlin because it reflects an alleged chain of revenge between hostile groups. Investigators had increasingly pointed in recent months to a possible connection between the mass brawl and the later use of firearms.

When a verdict could be reached is currently unclear. The Berlin Regional Court has initially scheduled several hearing days into the autumn. Further witness statements and possible expert reports are to follow in the coming sessions.