A Syrian asylum-seeker has gone on trial in Germany over the fatal stabbing in August of a German that touched off far-right protests in the eastern city of Chemnitz.

News agency dpa reported that the trial opened Monday at the state court in nearby Dresden, where it is taking place because of security concerns. The defendant, identified only as Alaa S. in line with German privacy rules, faces charges including manslaughter.

Prosecutors say S. came to the aid of an Iraqi man who fell while fighting the victim. The two foreigners are accused of then fatally stabbing him. The Iraqi is being sought on an international arrest warrant.

Thousands of neo-Nazis and others assembled in Chemnitz to protest migration after the death.