Far‑right protests erupt in Magdeburg after deadly market attack

The shock in Germany continues after the attack on people strolling at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Fifty-year-old Taleb A. was arrested on charges of five murders, attempted additional killings, and causing numerous bodily injuries. He worked daily as a psychiatrist in a correctional facility. He lived about 50 kilometres from Magdeburg.

The man expressed support for far-right politicians and criticised Germany's migration policy. A month before, as well as many weeks earlier, he posted controversial entries on social media, speaking, among other things, about revenge. He disliked how refugees from Arabia were treated by Germany.

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

Bild adds 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 mobilisations. 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 - quotes the portal Professor Matthias Quent from Magdeburg University.

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