Migrant suspected of killing official who denied his asylum

Alexander Alge, head of the Social Welfare Office in Vorarlberg, was stabbed to death in his office after a dispute with the Turk over receiving welfare benefits. The suspect had reportedly visited the asylum centre several times demanding “his” money.

“On Wednesday, finally, the Turk managed to break into the office of the social worker and again demanded money,” Vorarlberg Online reported. “The 34-year-old was told that the matter would be settled on the same day – ie on Wednesday. As a result, the man, who reemerged again, left the office, only to return half an hour later with a kitchen knife and committed the bloody deed.”

Alge leaves behind two sons.

The suspect had previously lived in Austria, but in 2009 was banned from residing in any of the European Union member countries because he had been convicted of a series of offenses and had already served multiple prison sentences.

His 2009 residence ban was reportedly signed by the social worker he stabbed to death this week. “In 2010, the accused was expelled to Turkey,” Kurier reported. “The murder victim had signed the negative asylum decision.”

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the murder suspect may still be granted humanitarian protection status as a Kurdish soldier. The likelihood that he could face death in Turkey if deported, was cited as reason.

Chief Inspector Norbert Schwendinger noted that the suspect showed “no remorse” during questioning.