Defendant apologises to family of killed train conductor as trial opens in Zweibrücken

Trial opens in Zweibrücken

The trial of a 26-year-old man accused of fatally attacking a train conductor opened on Wednesday at the Landgericht Zweibrücken in Rhineland-Palatinate. The defendant, Ioanni V., faces charges of bodily harm resulting in death. Relatives of the victim, railway employees, and journalists filled the courtroom. Family members held printed canvases showing the face of Serkan Çalar, the 36-year-old conductor who died after the incident.

The attack on 2 February

Prosecutors say that on 2 February, Çalar asked the defendant for his ticket on a regional train near Landstuhl. Ioanni V. had no ticket and refused to identify himself. After being told to leave the train, he allegedly struck Çalar multiple times in the head with both fists. The conductor lost consciousness and died two days later in hospital from a brain haemorrhage. Çalar was the eldest of five brothers, an engaged father of two sons, and worked as a train conductor.

Defendant's apology

Through his defence lawyer, Ioanni V. read a statement asking the victim's family for forgiveness. "From the bottom of my heart, I want to express a big apology for an unforgivable act and a moment of blind rage," the statement said. He added that he takes "full personal responsibility" and is aware that his words cannot undo what happened or ease the family's pain.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to express a big apology for an unforgivable act and a moment of blind rage.

Family rejects apology

The victim's family reacted with scepticism. Lawyer Yalçın Tekinoğlu, representing the family as co-plaintiffs, called the apology "completely self-centred" and not sincere. He said the family would be helped if the defendant made statements about the act itself, but he had refused to do so.

That was not a sincere apology for me. It was not an apology at all. The words were completely self-centred.

Brother Eray Çalar stressed that the family wanted to give Serkan a face. "We want to show that Serkan Çalar is here, that he came with us. His soul is here," said brother Ismail.

Legal classification disputed

While prosecutors had initially charged the defendant with murder, the court currently treats the case as bodily harm resulting in death, citing no evidence of intent to kill. The defendant has admitted the objective sequence of events, according to the prosecution, but denies any intent to kill and claims partial memory loss. The family expressed disappointment. "Several forceful punches to the head and temples, what was done to our brother is more than bodily harm resulting in death," said Eray Çalar. The court noted that if evidence of intent emerges during the trial, it could issue a corresponding legal notice. Eight hearing days are scheduled, with a verdict expected on 9 July.

Emotional scenes and broader debate

When surveillance video from the train was shown in court, loud sobbing broke out. A spectator jumped up and shouted an insult, and several people left the room in tears. The case has triggered a nationwide discussion about safety for railway staff and public transport workers.