Merkel aide calls for calm in courtroom murder case (Extra)

Oct 26, 2009, 16:30 GMT

Berlin - A top aide to Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Monday for a calm and considerate approach to the trial over the courtroom murder of pregnant Egyptian woman Marwa al-Shirbini.

'The terrible deed caused grief and horror in Germany and Egypt, as well as many parts of the Arab world,' said Maria Boehmer, Germany's commissioner for minority affairs.

The trial was being followed closely by millions of people around the world, Boehmer added.

'This makes it all the more important to trust and respect the independence of German justice,' the government aide added.

Alex W, a 29-year old Russian-born German citizen, is charged with the racially motivated courtroom attack on al-Shirbini during an appeal hearing against a fine he was ordered to pay for verbally abusing her at a city playground in August 2008.

'I was also stunned by the murder. It showed that we have to use all our energy to engage daily for a peaceful coexistence and oppose violence and racism,' Boehmer said.

The commissioner said she would continue to stay in contact with al-Shirbini's husband and dependents, adding, 'They do not stand alone.'

The Central Council of Muslims had called earlier for a clear political signal.

'Germany's reputation has suffered badly. Politics is ignoring Islamophobia and the consequences of such occurrences,' said the Council's president, Ayyub Axel Koehler.

   Egypt's ambassador to Germany, Ramzy Ezzeldin, said he expected a fair trial. 'I have great trust in German justice,' the diplomat said as he arrived to witness proceedings at the Dresden court.