After the murder of Philipos: a mother looking for forgiveness

After the murder of Philipos: a mother looking for forgiveness

Bad Oeynhausen, Deutschland - On June 7, 2025, family and friends of Philipos gather on a mountain with a view of Porta Westfalica to commemorate him. Philipos died in June 2024 after he was brutally attacked by an 18-year-old Syrian. The incident occurred when Philipos was waiting for his sister with a friend, who celebrated her high school diploma in the Bad Oeynhauser Kurpark. After a change of words, a brawl that ended with Philipos was fatal when he died of his head injuries two days later as a result of the blows. Remszeitung reports of the continuing grief of his family, especially his mother, Joanna Steinmann-Glogowski, who visits her son's grave every day and expresses her pain about the loss and questions about God and forgiveness in a WDR documentary.

The main defendant was sentenced to nine years in prison by the Bielefeld district court. There were many questions and uncertainties during the process. Philipos had suffered his death in an attack that, after an incident in which radical drugs had observed in connection with Philipos, escalated. After falling to the ground, he suffered several skull breaks when the perpetrator stepped on his head with his knee. The public prosecutor demanded a youth penalty for robbery with death and tried murder. WDR emphasizes that the perpetrator had already committed minor offenses in Germany and had come to Germany as a refugee. In addition, the process offered an insight into the challenges that arise from immigration and the integration of young people in Germany.

The emotions of the relatives

Joanna Steinmann-Glogowski, who appeared as a co-plaintiff, describes her anger and grief about what has happened to her family in the documentation. She reflects on the process and dealing with her pain by leading a diary in which she captures her thoughts and wishes for her late son. The documentary with the title "My son was killed: I have to live on" illuminates the mother's struggle for forgiveness and peace. Joanna bravely confronts the main defendant in the courtroom and thus shows the deep emotions that surround the case. She also describes how she and other relatives wear T-shirts with the inscription "Philippos Tsanis unforgettable" to honor her memory.

The grief for Philipos has also triggered a major discussion about youth crime and violence. BMFSFJ emphasizes that only a small group of young people who are considered intensive offenders are repeatedly committed to serious crimes. Many young people are faced with social disadvantages, violent experiences and other complex problems that can contribute to their behavior. In view of this tragic incident, the need for stronger crime and violence prevention becomes all the more clear to ensure that such acts can be avoided in the future.