Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli drone launched three missiles on the Baalbek-Rayak international road in eastern Lebanon
Salam: The army has been tasked with developing a plan for "state weapons monopoly" by the end of this year and presenting it to the ministerial council before the 31st of this month
Salam: Discussion of the US document paper will be pursued in a government session next Thursday
Salam: We affirm Lebanon's right to self-defense in the event of any aggression.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in a statement after the government session that discussed the "state weapons monopoly" clause: Based on the ministerial statement, the Lebanese state is committed to implementing international resolution 1701
Sheikh Qassem: Lebanon is a country where sacrifices and blood have been made, and we will discuss any matter related to it in Lebanon; no one think of imposing any diktats on us
Sheikh Qassem: We must beware of the advocates of sedition whose hands are stained with blood and who serve the Israeli project
Sheikh Qassem: We are a fundamental component of Lebanon, so how the resistance is approached must be reconsidered
Sheikh Qassem: The Resistance is part of the Taif Constitution, stipulated therein, thus a constitutional matter cannot be discussed by voting, rather, it requires consensus
Sheikh Qassem: The state must develop plans to confront pressure and protect security and sovereignty, not strip its citizens of their capabilities and losing its points of strength

Magdeburg Christmas market attack suspect extremist, Islamophobic

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 21 Dec 2024 20:04
  • 1 Shares
3 Min Read

German authorities are investigating 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist Taleb A., who is linked to a deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg that killed five and injured over 200.

Listen
  • x
  • Citizens pay tribute for deaths outside St. John's Church near a Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
    Citizens pay tribute for deaths outside St. John's Church near a Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)

German authorities are investigating a 50-year-old Saudi man, Taleb A., a doctor with a history of anti-Islam rhetoric, as the suspect in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg that left five people dead and over 200 injured.

The attack, which occurred on Friday evening, targeted crowds celebrating the pre-Christmas season, reigniting debates over security and migration in Germany as the far right gains traction in the election campaign.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the violence, stating, "What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality." He added, "We have now learned that over 200 people have been injured, almost 40 so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them."

Suspect's background and extremist views

Taleb A. has lived in Germany for nearly two decades and worked as a psychiatrist at a specialist rehabilitation clinic in Bernburg. He had been on sick and holiday leave since October.

A Saudi source told Reuters that Saudi Arabia had warned German authorities about the suspect after he posted extremist views on his X account that threatened peace and security.

Related News

German police rule out islamist motive in Magdeburg market attack

68 people injured in Magdeburg car attack: City Administration

A German security source said Saudi authorities had sent several tips in 2023 and 2024 and that these had been passed on to the relevant security authorities.

A risk assessment conducted last year by the German state and federal criminal investigators concluded that the man posed "no specific danger," the Welt newspaper reported, citing security sources.

On his verified X account, Taleb A. expressed anti-Islamic and far-right views, including support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and criticism of Germany's treatment of Saudi refugees.

In 2019, he gave media interviews, including with the BBC and FAZ, where he criticized Islam.

Investigation and witness accounts

The motive for the car-ramming attack remains unclear, and German authorities have not officially named the suspect.

Police arrested Taleb at the scene and conducted an overnight search of his home. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser acknowledged the suspect's Islamophobia but refrained from commenting on the motive.

A Saudi source revealed that Germany had received multiple warnings about Taleb A. since his arrival in 2006.

Reuters also cited a spokesperson from a rehabilitation clinic in Bernburg, specializing in treating criminals with addictions, who confirmed that the suspect had worked as a psychiatrist there. However, he had been on sick leave and holiday since October.

Witnesses at the market described a scene of horror, with Andrea Reis recounting how she and her daughter narrowly avoided being hit by the vehicle. "If we'd stayed where we were we'd have been in the car's path," she said, visibly shaken.

  • Germany
  • Magdeburg
  • Christmas market
  • Saudi Arabia

Most Read

An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025
An explosion seen during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, June 13, 2025 (AP)

If Iran is attacked again, geography of response may change: IRGC spox

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli soldiers drive on their armored personnel carrier back from inside the northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Full occupation of Gaza on the table despite military's opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the audience at a conference in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, Sunday, July 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Netanyahu blamed for sabotaging Gaza captives deal, say their families

A mine operated by Serra Verde Mining in Minacu, Goias state, Brazil, Monday, July 28, 2025 (AP)
Politics

China’s mineral export ban disrupts US defense supply chain

ap
Politics

Aid allowed by 'Israel' covers only 14% of Gaza's needs: Media Office

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS