He stopped a knife-man. "The hero of Villach" heard the charges

A 41-year-old Syrian who helped overpower and detain a knife-man in Austria has been charged by prosecutors. Investigators have accused him of causing bodily harm to the attacker, which - as they explain - is prosecuted ex officio. The prosecutor's office argues that the charges are "just a formality". However, criminal liability is not the only concern of the "hero from Villach".

In mid-February, a 23-year-old immigrant attacked a group of passers-by in Villach, Austria. A 14-year-old boy died and several others were injured. The incident was witnessed by a 41-year-old Syrian who chased the knife-man and then hit him with his car , helping the officers to detain the man. However, it turns out that he will have to pay for his actions.

The Syrian was widely hailed as a hero who prevented an even greater tragedy. However, local investigators disagree and on Tuesday charged the 41-year-old with causing bodily harm to the attacker.

Klagenfurt prosecutor's office spokesman Markus Kits told journalists that under the law, bodily harm is a crime that is prosecuted ex officio in Austria. However, Kitz argued that the whole case is just a "formality" that will end with the recognition that the suspect "acted out of necessity."

SEE: New information about the knife-man from Austria. He wanted to receive asylum

However, these are not the only problems of the "hero from Villach". The next day - after he helped to overpower and detain the knife-man - he began receiving threats from supporters of the so-called Islamic State. Local police admitted that the messages received by the 41-year-old should be taken seriously. The Syrian said he was considering moving to another region of Austria because both he and his family felt threatened.

The incident itself took place on February 15. The 23-year-old Syrian who committed the attack was an Islamist, and authorities classified his crime as a terrorist act with a religious motive. Media reported that the man shouted "Allahu Akbar" after the attack and laughed while being arrested by police .

After the tragedy, the police increased their patrols throughout Carinthia, and the state was plunged into mourning . In the days immediately following the incident, all the bars and restaurants around the old town square in Villach were closed. The carnival party that was taking place in Villach that day was also cancelled.