India has strongly condemned the tragic attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, which claimed the lives of five individuals, including a 9-year-old child, and left more than 200 others injured.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its condolences, stating, “We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Several precious lives have been lost, and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Our mission is in contact with the Indians who are injured as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance.”
According to sources, seven Indian nationals are among the injured and three have been discharged from the hospital.
Press release: India condemns attack in Magdeburg, Germanyhttps://t.co/3nA9nNmPVm pic.twitter.com/8ZIW0GHnCm
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 21, 2024
The attack, which took place on Friday evening, involved a car ramming into the crowded Christmas market, sending shockwaves through the community. German authorities identified the suspect as Taleb A., a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, who was arrested at the scene. Police later searched his residence overnight.
According to Reuters, Taleb A. had been living in Germany for nearly two decades and worked as a psychiatrist at a rehabilitation clinic for criminals with addictions. The clinic confirmed his employment but stated that he had been on sick and holiday leave since October.
The motive for the attack is still unclear, though German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser noted that the suspect’s “Islamophobia” was evident. His verified X account showed support for far-right parties, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD), and contained anti-Islam sentiments.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed sorrow over the attack in Magdeburg, saying, “What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality.” Scholz, who laid a white rose in honour of the victims, revealed that over 200 people were injured in the attack, with nearly 40 in critical condition.
A Saudi source informed Reuters that Saudi Arabia had warned German authorities multiple times about Taleb A.’s extremist views shared on his X account. However, a risk assessment by German investigators last year concluded that he posed “no specific danger,” according to the Welt newspaper.
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