Germany’s Far-Right AfD to March in Magdeburg Amid Fresh Debate on Migrant and Security Policy
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is set to march in Magdeburg on Monday to mourn the victims of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market that has inflamed a heated debate on migrant and security policy.
The government has faced questions over possible errors and missed warnings about Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi national who was arrested at the scene of Friday’s attack in Magdeburg, which killed five people and left over 200 wounded. Saudi Arabia had warned Germany multiple times that its citizen could be dangerous.
Riyadh had alerted Berlin that the psychiatrist and activist could be a threat, and an extradition request was made. However, German authorities have not yet charged the suspect with terrorism-related offenses.
Die Welt daily reported that Abdulmohsen had been treated for a mental illness in the past, but this has not been confirmed by authorities. He has been remanded in custody on five counts of murder and 205 counts of attempted murder.
As the motive behind the attack remains unclear, the events have shifted the flashpoint issues of security and immigration back to the center of German politics ahead of February 23 elections. The AfD party has announced a public “memorial” event and march for the victims, with its top candidate, Alice Weidel, set to attend.
Weidel has taken to social media to blame the attack on uncontrolled immigration, while an anti-extremist initiative called “Don’t Give Hate a Chance” will rally at the same time, near the city’s Johannis church, to promote tolerance and humanity.
German authorities have pledged to investigate security lapses prior to the attack, while police and counterterrorism experts warn against hasty conclusions or political demands. The incident has also led to a heightened sense of unease about Germany’s festive events, with Christmas markets typically being secured with police and barricades. However, the Magdeburg attacker managed to exploit a five-meter gap to get to the market and then race into the unsuspecting crowd.
