India has strongly condemned the tragic attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in which 5 people, including a 9-year-old boy, were killed and over 200 injured.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condoled, “We condemn the horrific and senseless attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Many precious lives have been lost, many injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Our mission is with the injured Indians and their families. is in touch and providing all possible assistance.”
According to sources, seven of the injured are Indian citizens and three have been discharged from the hospital.
Press release: India condemns attack on Magdeburg, Germany https://t.co/3nA9nNmPVm pic.twitter.com/8ZIW0GHnCm
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIindia) December 21, 2024
The attack, which took place on Friday evening when a car crashed into a busy Christmas market, sent shockwaves through the community. German authorities have identified the suspect as 50-year-old Saudi doctor Taleb A., who was arrested at the scene. The police searched his house all night.
According to Reuters, Taleb A had lived in Germany for nearly two decades and worked as a psychiatrist at a rehabilitation clinic for drug addicts. The clinic confirmed his employment but said he had been sick and on holiday leave since October.
The motive for the attack is still unclear, although German Interior Minister Nancy Fesser 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-Islamic sentiments.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lamented the attack in Magdeburg, saying, ‘What a terrible act to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality. Scholz, who laid a white rose in honor of the victims, revealed that more than 200 people were injured in the attack, with around 40 in critical condition.
Saudi sources have informed Reuters Saudi Arabia warned German authorities several times about Taleb A’s extremist views shared on his X account. However, a risk assessment carried out by German researchers last year concluded that there was “no particular danger”, he said. Welt newspaper.
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