Saudi authorities are working tirelessly to compile and share detailed information on Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the suspect in the Magdeburg market attack, as part of Germany’s ongoing investigation. Inside Riyadh’s imposing Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is growing frustration. Officials claim they sent repeated warnings about al-Abdulmohsen’s extremist leanings, but these were ignored.
Between 2016 and 2023, Saudi Arabia issued four diplomatic communications to Germany, three directed at intelligence agencies and one to the Foreign Ministry in Berlin. These messages, they say, flagged al-Abdulmohsen as a threat. Yet, there was no response. This oversight might be tied to his asylum status. Granted refuge in Germany in 2016, al-Abdulmohsen arrived a year after Angela Merkel’s open-door policy for Middle Eastern migrants, despite questions surrounding his background.
Born in Hofuf, Saudi Arabia, in 1974, little is known about his early life. However, his later years reveal a man who renounced Islam and became a vocal critic of Saudi society. He described himself on social media as a psychiatrist and activist, founding a website aimed at helping Saudi women escape to Europe. While he presented himself as a human rights advocate, Saudi authorities labeled him a people trafficker and claim to possess a comprehensive file on his activities.
The warnings about al-Abdulmohsen, combined with his controversial profile, raise significant questions about Germany’s handling of the situation. Adding to the scrutiny is a security lapse that allegedly allowed him to drive into the crowded Magdeburg Alter Markt through an unguarded emergency access route. German authorities have defended their market’s layout, stating that investigations into al-Abdulmohsen’s past are ongoing, but critics argue these explanations fall short.
Germany’s reluctance to act on Saudi intelligence may stem from broader geopolitical tensions. While Saudi Arabia is a strategic Western ally, its poor human rights record complicates international relations. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has embraced significant cultural reforms, such as granting women the right to drive and hosting major entertainment events featuring global stars. Yet, these advances coexist with a severe crackdown on dissent, where even tweets can result in lengthy prison sentences.
The Magdeburg market attack underscores the dangerous consequences of disregarding intelligence warnings. For Germany, it highlights the challenge of reconciling human rights concerns with national security. For Saudi Arabia, it emphasizes the struggle to gain credibility on the global stage. As both nations navigate the fallout, the lessons of this incident could have far-reaching implications.
