MAGDEBURG, Germany — Reports circulating on social media claim that the suspect behind the deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg is a fugitive from Saudi Arabia, whom the German government had refused to extradite despite requests from Riyadh.
According to translated posts from users on the social media platform 𝕏, the alleged perpetrator has been identified as Talib Al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi national who was reportedly wanted in Saudi Arabia but fled to Germany seeking asylum.
German authorities granted him asylum and, later, citizenship, citing human rights concerns as the reason for refusing extradition to Saudi Arabia.
The attack, which left several dead and injured, has drawn sharp criticism online, particularly from users in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, who allege that Al-Abdulmohsen had a known history of criminal activity in his home country. A widely shared translation stated, “He repaid this favor today by committing a massacre,” adding to the growing outcry.
German officials have yet to confirm the identity of the suspect or respond to claims regarding his asylum status, though authorities have said they are investigating all aspects of the attack, including the background of the perpetrator. The attack has raised fresh concerns over immigration and asylum policies in Europe amid a series of recent violent incidents.