Dr. Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor is facing pretrial detention in Berlin. He thus becomes the prime suspect in still the worst terrorist attack on Christmas market visitors, the Christmas market Magdeburg car ramming attack. To begin, on December 20, an unthinkable, preventable incident took the lives of six individuals. It caused the injuries of over 300 people, including a six year-old girl. Before the attack, al-Abdulmohsen had posted hundreds of vehemently anti-Islam and anti-German government messages online.
Following the attack, al-Abdulmohsen wrote letters to at least five victims, asking for “forgiveness” and wishing them well in their recovery. However, these letters have caused anger and panic among the survivors and their families. All of them are understandably and rightfully feeling retraumatized by his continued correspondence. The letters were a mirror image of al-Abdulmohsen’s past rants on social media. They featured defiant tirades against various other Saudi asylum seekers.
The prosecutor’s office in Saxony-Anhalt has been monitoring al-Abdulmohsen’s mail, raising significant concerns regarding the implications of his outreach to victims. “How can a murderer get the addresses of the survivors?” questioned one recipient of the letters during an interview with regional broadcaster MDR.
Al-Abdulmohsen stated his hopes of pardon in his letters. He didn’t stop there — he added a mix of original content that reinforced or complemented his viral social media posts. This disturbing link has only served to heighten fear among the survivors. Bianca Biwer, managing director of the crime victim assistance organization Weißer Ring, commented on the damaging impact of such correspondence.
“It puts the victims at the mercy of the perpetrator.” – Bianca Biwer, managing director of Weißer Ring
A counselor treating some of the victims noted that none of those affected by the attack are interested in receiving an apology from al-Abdulmohsen. The trauma they experienced during the attack has left them grappling with their emotions, and receiving letters from their assailant only serves to exacerbate their pain.
“None of those affected with whom I’m in contact is interested in an apology.” – A counselor treating the victims
The conduct of al-Abdulmohsen also presents paramount issues regarding victim’s rights and protections in violent crime cases. His online activities in the weeks leading up to the attack demonstrate almost total alignment with far-right conspiracy theories regarding the “Islamisation” of Europe. This connection deepens the ambiguity of his motivations and actions in the leadup to the tragic event.
“At first we couldn’t believe it,” – one of the recipients told Magdeburger Volksstimme newspaper.
As Germany heads into a highly contested general elections, discussions about public safety and how to treat victims are more relevant than ever. The emotional toll on those directly affected by the Magdeburg Christmas market attack is likely to be disastrous. Many are now left to navigate their recovery while dealing with a renewed sense of trauma stirred by communications from their attacker.
As Germany approaches its general elections, discussions surrounding public safety and the treatment of victims are becoming increasingly pertinent. The emotional toll on those affected by the Magdeburg Christmas market attack remains profound. Many are now left to navigate their recovery while dealing with a renewed sense of trauma stirred by communications from their attacker.