Christmas market attack suspect was clearly Islamophobic: German minister – Times of India

The suspect arrested in connection with a deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg has been described as clearly Islamophobic, according to Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Faeser said, “This was clear to see,” but refrained from commenting further on the man’s political affiliations.
The attack, which occurred at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, has been linked to a 50-year-old Saudi doctor named Taleb al-Abdulmohsen. Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected terrorist attack, and investigations have revealed the suspect’s history of anti-Islam activism and right-wing extremist views.
Taleb A, a Saudi refugee, arrived in Germany in 2016 after fleeing his home country, reportedly due to what he perceived as an oppressive Islamic regime. He settled in Bernburg, where he worked as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Although he initially led a quiet life, his views gradually took a more extreme turn.
As reported by The Guardian, Taleb became a prominent figure within the Saudi expatriate community in Germany, using his platform to vocalize his strong opposition to Islam. He also campaigned for women’s rights, focusing much of his attention on criticizing what he saw as the German government’s dangerous tolerance of radical Islam.
In addition to his vocal opposition to Islam, Taleb A used his personal website and social media to speak out against what he viewed as the leniency of German authorities towards the religion. He also became involved in efforts to help ex-Muslims, particularly women, escape Saudi Arabia after renouncing Islam.
Taleb A’s social media activity included a number of provocative posts, including one in which he warned potential refugees against coming to Germany, stating that the country was too lenient towards Islam. Following the deadly October 7th terror attack, Taleb A also posted pro-Israel sentiments.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the suspect’s motivations and connections to right-wing extremism, while the investigation into the deadly attack continues.