Students accused of murder attempt: 'We just wanted to have fun'

Munich - The trial against three Swiss students who are accused of brutally beating five men in Munich begins today. The men were assaulted in July 2009.

The incident has led to growing concern in Germany over youth violence in the big cities. The three young men were taking a school trip in the capital city of Bavaria and are accused of gang beating five men, one of whom was disabled. One of the victims was almost killed. The defense, who preferred not to comment on the future outcome of the trial, said the action of the three students was caused by alcohol misuse. The prosecutor reported that one of the boys has justified himself saying they only wanted to have fun. Due to the fact the students are minors, the maximum penalty under German law is 10 years.