New Delhi: A car attack at a crowded Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, December 20 left five people dead and injured nearly 200 others. Among the injured were seven Indian nationals, three of whom have since been discharged from the hospital, PTI reported.
The driver, identified as Talib al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi national and self-proclaimed ex-Muslim dissident, was arrested at the scene. German authorities stated that his motive remains unclear, but investigators are exploring whether his dissatisfaction with Germany’s treatment of Saudi refugees played a role. Reports suggest that Saudi authorities had previously warned Germany about Talib, who had boasted on social media about planning a major act in the country.
Indian government and German leadership respond
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning the attack as “horrific and senseless.” The MEA stated that the Indian embassy in Berlin is in contact with the injured Indian nationals and is providing all possible assistance.
“We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured,” the MEA stated.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and interior minister Nancy Faeser visited Magdeburg on Saturday to assess the situation.
Senior prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens stated that while the exact motive for the attack is under investigation, Talib’s social media activity, which included criticism of Muslim immigration to Europe, is being closely examined.
Saxony-Anhalt’s state premier, Reiner Haseloff, confirmed the arrest, stating the suspect was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy who practiced in Bernburg, approximately 40 kms south of Magdeburg. Initial reports indicate the attack was premeditated.
Background of the suspect
Talib, originally from Saudi Arabia, renounced Islam and became a vocal critic of the religion, particularly its treatment of women. He described himself as a Saudi dissident and ex-Muslim and used social media platforms, including X, to disseminate his views. With approximately 47,000 followers, he frequently posted content critical of Islam and supported individuals leaving the faith.
In a 2022 BBC interview, Talib claimed to have established a website, “We Are Saudis” (wearesaudis.net), aimed at assisting Saudi activists and ex-Muslims in escaping oppressive regimes, reported Deutsche Welle (DW). He alleged that many Saudi women had sought his help in fleeing their families. Despite these efforts, he faced criticism from other dissidents who considered his approach overly intense.
Over the years, Talib’s rhetoric increasingly aligned with far-right ideologies. He was an outspoken critic of Germany’s migration policies, blaming former Chancellor Angela Merkel for an alleged plan to “Islamise Europe.” His posts frequently endorsed far-right figures.
Talib also expressed support for X owner Elon Musk and used the platform to accuse German authorities of failing to protect Saudi refugees from persecution. He claimed he had evidence of German officials committing “deliberate crimes” against Saudi dissidents and accused them of collusion with Saudi intelligence.
Only days before the attack, Talib gave an interview to the RAIR Foundation, a controversial website known for its anti-Muslim and vaccine-sceptical content. In the interview, he alleged that Germany was complicit in the “Islamisation” of Europe and accused the country of persecuting ex-Muslims.
On his X account, Talib had issued alarming posts, including threats of violence against German authorities. Faeser described the suspect’s actions as “obviously Islamophobic.”
In the years leading up to the attack, Talib sought media attention to publicise his cause. In 2021, he contacted DW, alleging Saudi surveillance and intimidation. However, many of his claims could not be independently verified. Despite repeated attempts to present his evidence publicly, he grew frustrated when his requests were declined.