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Mourning in Magdeburg: Right-wing protests against migration grow after the attack
After the deadly attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany is debating migration and the perpetrator's motives.
Mourning in Magdeburg: Right-wing protests against migration grow after the attack
A shadow of terror lies over Magdeburg! The city is mourning the victims of a barbaric attack that claimed the lives of a nine-year-old boy and four women on Friday evening. A man drove his car into the crowded Christmas market, injuring around 200 other people. The wounds are deep, the grief immeasurable.
The suspected perpetrator, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old psychiatrist of Saudi Arabian origin, has lived in Germany since 2006 and is now facing serious charges: murder and attempted murder. As the nation remains in shock, political parties stand together to offer condolences to the victims and vow to strengthen security measures.
Grief and protests united
However, amid the candlelight and funeral ceremonies that transform the city into an oasis of compassion, things are bubbling beneath the surface. Over 2,000 supporters of the extreme right gathered on Saturday with banners and slogans against migration. A shocking image that reminds us of the city's dark past. Nicole Anger, a member of the Left Party, describes the current mood as frightening: “Children and people with a migrant background are afraid to go out on the streets.”
The city, in a moment of silence and remembrance, is overshadowed by the political debate about migration and security. While the Christmas market remains closed for the rest of the year, vendors are handing out free fruit and vegetables to support those in mourning. But the growing tensions between mourning and protest cast a dark shadow over the community.
Political turmoil and extremism
The brutal act comes at a critical time for Germany. After the collapse of the coalition under Chancellor Olaf Scholz in November and the loss of a vote of confidence in December, new elections are scheduled for February 23rd. The AfD, which is strengthening itself through successes in the state elections this year, could benefit from the situation. Shortly before the incident, Elon Musk caused a stir when he claimed on social media: “Only the AfD can save Germany.”
Reactions to the attack are divided. Political observers warn that the AfD could exploit the situation to further spread its anti-migrant views. Justus von Daniels, editor-in-chief of Correctiv, expresses concerns: “If the AfD continues to push the migration issue, it could poison the political debate.”
The perpetrator's motives remain a mystery. Al-Abdulmohsen, who presents himself on social media as an ex-Muslim and supporter of women from Saudi Arabia, shows in his posts an aversion to Islam and a tendency towards right-wing extremist ideologies. Saudi Arabia had already warned Germany about the doctor in November 2023, but the authorities did not see him as a threat at the time.
The reactions to the attack are complex. While the grief for the victims is evident, extremists are using the opportunity to advance their agenda. Jorinde Schulz, an activist on the left, warns: "The extreme right is mobilizing almost unhindered. For them, this attack is a springboard to gain more support."
A man who threatened violence against people of Arab origin on TikTok was arrested in Bremerhaven on Sunday. Another alarming sign at a time when society is facing fear and uncertainty.