One of central Germany’s major Christmas markets may not open on 20 November, after regional authorities rejected its security plan—coinciding with the start of the trial over last year’s deadly attack on the same event.
Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, a 51-year-old Saudi-born suspect, is accused of driving a high-powered rental car into the 2023 market in Magdeburg, killing six people and seriously injuring around 300. Prosecutors say he later sent an eight-page letter claiming he would attack the market again if given the chance.
Magdeburg’s mayor, Simone Borris, said the state government has ordered the city to reject the current safety plan, describing “serious deficiencies.” Officials warned the market remains a “potential attack target,” citing weak access controls and a lack of vehicle-ramming protection. The city has so far refused demands to fence off the area.
The dispute highlights broader tensions in Germany over who is responsible for anti-terror protection at public events. Tougher rules have already forced other Christmas markets, including in Overath, North Rhine-Westphalia, to cancel this year.
