Grief and anger in Magdeburg: Far-Right uses Christmas market attack

Grief and anger in Magdeburg: Far-Right uses Christmas market attack

Grief and anger in Magdeburg: An attack that shakes the nation!

Magdeburg is in shock! A terrible incident turned the contemplative atmosphere of the city's Christmas market into a nightmare on Friday evening. A man drove his car into the crowd, claiming the lives of a nine-year-old boy and four women. Over 200 more people were injured as horror descended on the joyous celebrations.

The alleged perpetrator, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old psychiatrist of Saudi Arabian origin who has lived in Germany since 2006, faces serious charges: murder and attempted murder. The city is in mourning while politicians unite in a storm of outrage and grief.

Political reactions and funeral ceremonies

The political parties are affected. Robert Habeck, chairman of the Green Party, expressed his condolences and wished the city “consolation, strength and confidence”. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the act as a “terrible and insane” act. In Magdeburg itself the mood remains tense. Nicole Anger, MP and co-chair of the Left, reports of a city that remains in silence while candlelight prayers and solidarity actions take place.

“The sellers at the Christmas market, which remains closed until the end of the year, give away fruit and vegetables,” says Anger. But while many are united in grief, things are bubbling beneath the surface. Over 2,000 supporters of the far right gathered in the city on Saturday to protest against migration. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the violent riots of the 1990s, when xenophobia escalated in Magdeburg.

The role of the extreme right

The right sees their chance! After the attack, they mobilized their followers and used the tragedy to advance their anti-Muslim agenda. “For them, this attack is a springboard to gain more support,” warns activist Jorinde Schulz. The AfD, which enjoyed success in state elections this year, could capitalize on this incident.

The discussion about the perpetrator's motives remains tense. Al-Abdulmohsen, who describes himself as an ex-Muslim, has expressed his distaste for Islam and his admiration for far-right ideologies on social media. Saudi Arabia had already warned Germany about the doctor in November 2023, but the authorities did not classify him as a threat.

“We have to be careful about what the attacker’s true motives are,” says Justus von Daniels, editor at Correctiv. “But the extreme right has gained enormous influence in the political discussion.” The upcoming elections on February 23 could decisively change Germany's political landscape as society mourns the victims while confronting growing fears of xenophobia.

A man who threatened violence against people of Arab origin in a TikTok video was arrested in Bremerhaven on Sunday. The wave of violence and fear is spreading as the nation mourns the victims of the horrific attack.