Saudi authorities are working tirelessly to gather and share information on Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the suspect behind the Magdeburg market attack, with German investigators “in every way possible.” This development comes as the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh expresses frustration over the German government’s alleged failure to respond to warnings about al-Abdulmohsen’s extremist views.
The ministry had sent four “Notes Verbal” to Germany, three to intelligence agencies and one to the foreign ministry in Berlin, but claims to have received no response. This lack of communication may be attributed to al-Abdulmohsen’s asylum status in Germany, granted in 2016 after the country opened its borders to over a million Middle Eastern migrants.
Al-Abdulmohsen, born in Hofuf, Saudi Arabia in 1974, had turned his back on Islam, labeling himself a heretic in the eyes of many. He was active on social media, describing himself as a psychiatrist and founder of a Saudi rights movement. The Saudis, however, accuse him of being a people trafficker, with the Ministry of Interior’s investigators holding an extensive file on him.
German authorities are facing criticism for their handling of al-Abdulmohsen’s case, with many questioning why they failed to act on the Saudi warnings. The attack has also raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly with regards to freedom of speech and assembly.
Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rule, Saudi Arabia has seen significant transformations, including the reopening of cinemas and the hosting of large-scale entertainment events. However, this progress has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissenting voices, with harsh prison sentences handed down for simple tweets.¹
As Germany continues to investigate the Magdeburg market attack, the country’s handling of al-Abdulmohsen’s case has raised pressing questions about national security, asylum policies, and the complexities of international cooperation.
