Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — German authorities have arrested a suspect involved in a deadly car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. Investigations revealed that the suspect has a history of anti-Islam views and is a fugitive wanted by Saudi Arabia.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening, December 20, 2024, at around 7:00 PM local time. The suspect allegedly drove a black BMW SUV at high speed into a crowded Christmas market.
According to the latest reports by BBC on Sunday, December 22, the attack left at least five people dead and around 205 others injured, ranging from minor to severe injuries. The suspect was apprehended at the scene shortly after the attack.
The Suspect Identified
According to CNN Indonesia, Saxony-Anhalt State Premier Reiner Haseloff revealed the suspect as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi national who had been living in Germany since 2007. Abdulmohsen initially arrived in Germany in 2006 and had secured permanent residency.
He is identified as a licensed medical doctor, reportedly worked in Bernburg, a small town approximately 25 miles south of Magdeburg.
Despite his professional background, the suspect reportedly held strong anti-Islamic views and had shared extremist rhetoric on social media platforms, including now-deleted posts on X (formerly Twitter). While also he publicly identified himself as a Saudi dissident.
During his time in Germany, Abdulmohsen allegedly operated a website aimed at helping Saudi dissidents, particularly women, escape the kingdom and seek refuge in European country.
He had previously expressed support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its anti-immigration stance.
However, in recent years, Abdulmohsen reportedly grew increasingly disillusioned with Germany’s immigration policies. The country welcomed over one million Middle Eastern refugees in 2015, but currently tightening the border controls.
Saudi Warnings and Extradition Requests
Saudi authorities had reportedly warned Germany about Abdulmohsen’s extremist views as early as 2007 and had formally requested his extradition multiple times. However, Germany rejected these requests, citing concerns for his safety if returned to Saudi Arabia.
Car Plows Into German Christmas Market, Killing Two and Injuring 68
The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had issued four official warnings to German intelligence and the Foreign Ministry regarding Abdulmohsen’s extremist views. All warnings were reportedly overlooked.
Following the attack, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning the incident and expressing condolences to the victims.
Ongoing Investigation
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the suspect as an ‘Islamophobe’ but refrained from disclosing further details, stating that investigations are still in their early stages. Authorities are currently probing Abdulmohsen’s background and possible motives. If convicted, Abdulmohsen could face five charges of murder and 205 charges of attempted murder.
(Raidi/Agung)
