Saudi Doctor Faces Verdict Over 6-Killed German Christmas Market Attack

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Magdeburg, Germany : A German court is set to deliver its verdict on Friday in the trial of a Saudi man accused of driving an SUV into a crowded Christmas market in 2024, killing six people and injuring more than 300 in one of the country's deadliest recent attacks.

Prosecutors have requested a life sentence for Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, 51, and have asked the court to rule that the crime was of "particular gravity", a designation that could ensure he remains in prison for the rest of his life.

During the trial, Abdulmohsen admitted driving the vehicle through the Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg on December 20, 2024, but denied intentionally targeting people. Prosecutors rejected his claim, arguing that the attack was deliberate and driven by a desire for revenge and public attention.

According to investigators, Abdulmohsen drove a rented SUV through the crowded market at speeds of up to 48 kilometres per hour, killing a nine-year-old boy and five women aged between 45 and 75. He faces six counts of murder and 338 counts of attempted murder.

A psychiatric evaluation found that Abdulmohsen suffers from narcissistic personality disorder but is fully criminally responsible and continues to pose a danger.

The months long trial, which involved more than 100 witnesses and hundreds of victims and relatives, focused on Abdulmohsen's anti-Islam views, support for far-right conspiracy theories and grievances against German authorities. Prosecutors said he had shown no remorse throughout the proceedings.

Pic Credit: AFP