Breaking News
:

7 Indians Injured in German Christmas Market Attack; India and Germany Condemn Tragic Incident

German Christmas Market Attack

In a tragic incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, five people, including a child, lost their lives, and over 200 were injured when a car plowed through a crowd on Friday evening. Among the injured were seven Indian nationals, three of whom have been discharged from the hospital. The Indian government strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "horrific and senseless act."

Indian Government's Response

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. "Several precious lives have been lost, and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. The Indian Mission in Germany is actively coordinating with the injured Indian nationals and their families, providing all possible assistance," the statement read.

The Indian Embassy in Germany remains in touch with the affected Indian nationals and their families to ensure they receive necessary support.

Details of the Attack

The attack occurred when a rented black BMW SUV, driven by 50-year-old Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi Arabian doctor with permanent residency in Germany, sped into a densely packed Christmas market. Surveillance footage showed the vehicle racing through the festive crowd, leaving devastation in its wake.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident, and police confirmed no explosives were found in the vehicle, despite initial suspicions.

Suspect's Profile

Taleb, a self-described "Saudi atheist" and former psychiatrist, had been on medical leave from his job at a rehabilitation clinic for criminals with addictions. Reports indicate he held strongly anti-Islam and far-right views. His posts on social media platforms criticized Germany’s policies on Saudi refugees and expressed Islamophobic sentiments.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the suspect’s actions as "terrible and insane" and noted his anti-Islamic views. Prosecutors suggested the attack could be linked to his dissatisfaction with Germany’s handling of Saudi refugees.

Germany’s Reaction

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack as a "terrible, insane" act of violence, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. The Christmas market, a symbol of holiday joy, was closed indefinitely as a mark of respect for the victims.

Reiner Haseloff, Premier of Saxony-Anhalt, assured the public that the suspect acted alone and posed no further threat to the city.

Far-Right and Public Reactions

The incident has reignited debates about immigration and security in Germany. Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, criticized the country’s immigration policies, stating, "When will this madness stop?"

However, others warned against generalizing the incident, emphasizing the need to address mental health issues and individual accountability rather than fueling xenophobia.

Impact on the Community

The attack has left a somber atmosphere in Magdeburg, with debris and medical supplies scattered across the site. The Christmas market, which once bustled with holiday cheer, now stands empty, its celebrations halted for the year.

Residents expressed mixed emotions, with some fearing increased hostility towards immigrants. Fael Kelion, a Cameroonian resident of Magdeburg, shared, "I think that since the suspect is a foreigner, the population will be unhappy, less welcoming."

Moving Forward

The tragic incident has united Germany and the international community in condemning violence and reaffirming the need for security and inclusivity. For the victims and their families, the path to healing will be long, but both Germany and India have pledged continued support and solidarity.

Popular post

Live News

Latest post

You may also like

Subscribe Here

Enter your email address to subscribe to this website and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join Us