A local council candidate for Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was brutally attacked with a knife in Mannheim, resulting in heightened concerns over rising political violence in the country. Police and prosecutors confirmed that a suspect has been apprehended, who allegedly showed signs of mental illness.

The attack took place after the candidate confronted an individual attempting to remove an election poster on Tuesday. The perpetrator, using a carpet knife, injured the politician, but fortunately, the injuries were not life-threatening. The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. local time.

Mannheim AfD councilor Jörg Finkler expressed shock and dismay over the incident, stating that his 62-year-old friend and colleague suffered injuries to the ear and stomach and was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.

This disturbing incident follows a recent stabbing attack in the same city, where a police officer tragically lost his life at a rally organized by the anti-Islamic group Pax Europa.

The suspect, a 25-year-old individual, attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly apprehended by the police. Authorities have reported that the suspect exhibited signs of mental illness during his detention.

The victim of the attack has been identified as Heinrich Koch, who holds the third spot on the AfD's party list for the upcoming Mannheim city council election, scheduled to take place on Sunday.

The rise in political violence in Germany has sparked concern among authorities. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the attack, emphasizing that there is never any justification for violence and expressing her hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured candidate.

This incident is the latest in a string of attacks targeting politicians in Germany, particularly during the European Parliament election campaign. Last month, Matthias Ecke, a member of the center-left Social Democrats, was assaulted by a group of youths while putting up election posters in Dresden. Additionally, former Berlin mayor Franziska Giffey was assaulted with a bag containing hard objects in the capital.

As Germany grapples with these alarming acts of violence, there is growing recognition of the urgent need to address the underlying causes and ensure the safety and security of political figures across the country.

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