Far‑right protests engulf Magdeburg after deadly market attack

Germany remains in shock following the attack on people at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Taleb A., a 50-year-old man, was arrested on charges of five murders, attempted additional killings, and causing numerous bodily injuries. He was employed as a psychiatrist in a correctional facility and lived 30 miles from Magdeburg.

The man expressed support for far-right politicians and criticized Germany's migration policy. Months prior, he had posted controversial statements on social media, including threats of revenge. He expressed displeasure with the treatment of refugees from Arabia in Germany.

His brutal act incited a wave of protests in Magdeburg. According to the "Daily Mail," about 1,000 demonstrators gathered in the city center carrying banners with slogans like "Remigration Now" and regional flags. Clashes with the police ensued. Experts warn of far-right groups exploiting the tragedy.

Bild reported that shouts were heard: "Anyone who doesn't love Germany should leave Germany," "Migration kills," and "We must take back our cities, our villages and our homeland."

The region in general, eastern Germany, is a hotspot of far-right mobilizations. And we are facing election campaigns until the federal elections in February. And so this is not just a critical time because of Christmas and the trust that gets destroyed by such an attack but, also, regarding questions of disinformation and polarisation and the spread of hate that will and could happen over these kinds of attacks now, notes Professor Matthias Qeunt from Magdeburg University.

In response to the attack, security measures at Christmas markets throughout Germany have been increased. Police and prosecutors are investigating the perpetrator's motives.