Germany Mourns Young Muslim Woman Murdered for Wearing Hijab

Rahma Ayat, a 26‑year‑old Algerian Muslim nursing trainee, was fatally stabbed inside the stairwell of her apartment building in Arnum, just south of Hannover, Germany, on July 4.

Police arrested a 31‑year‑old German neighbour as the main suspect, Anadolu Agency reported.

The victim’s family said that Rahma had endured repeated insults and harassing behaviour from the suspect “because of her hijab and Arab origin,” the victim’s mother told Al‑Araby television.

Residents had also reported disturbing behaviour from the suspect, including attempting to gain entry to Rahma’s apartment before the attack.

Rahma had moved to Germany two years earlier and was employed at a Hannover hospital as a nursing trainee, preparing for her formal nursing education.

Shocked by her death, the victim’s colleagues and friends organised a vigil in the city centre to honour her memory and call for justice.

German authorities have confirmed that they are investigating “in all directions” to determine the motive.

Rising Islamophobia

Germany’s Muslim community has long warned about increasing levels of Islamophobia and xenophobia, particularly targeting women who wear hijab.

While officials have pledged to combat hate crimes, many activists say more action is needed.

Germany’s Interior Ministry recorded more than 1,000 Islamophobic crimes in 2023, including attacks on individuals and mosques.

Advocacy groups have urged stronger measures to protect minorities and prosecute hate-motivated violence more aggressively.

The Algerian Embassy in Berlin expressed deep concern and called on German authorities to ensure a transparent investigation.

“We are closely following the developments in this case,” the embassy said in a statement.