Duisburg court awaits verdict in police violence trial

A verdict is expected at the Duisburg District Court regarding nine police officers accused of joint dangerous bodily harm. The case stems from a January 2024 incident at a refugee shelter in Mülheim an der Ruhr, where officers allegedly used excessive force by restraining 23-year-old Ibrahima Barry in a prone position for an extended period. Barry died shortly after the encounter.

Medical experts testified that while Barry had pre-existing conditions, including chronic lung disease and Hepatitis B, and had consumed cocaine, a healthy individual would typically not die from being restrained in a prone position. The trial has drawn significant public attention, with supporters of ‘Justice for Ibrahima’ holding vigils and protests outside the courthouse.