Magdeburg is not at peace after Friday's massacre at the Christmas markets in which 5 people lost their lives. For the attack, the German federal prosecutor's office could take over the investigation - currently led by the authorities of the Land of Saxony-Anhalt - and subject Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, the alleged perpetrator of the attack - to a psychiatric evaluation. The man - subjected to initial medical and mental tests - during yesterday's interrogations allegedly made confusing statements linked to conspiracy theories.
But the city is still stuck in the dramatic moments that shook the tranquility of Christmas and is gripped by grief. In these hours hundreds of people have gathered in the church of San Giovanni for a vigil in memory of the five victims. Entire families, with faces marked by sadness and shining eyes, held hands and hugged each other while continuing to lay flowers. “Warum?”, “Why?”, can be read on the notes left in various parts of the city, where people are leaving flowers, candles and messages in memory of the victims. The French Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, also announced his presence in the capital of Saxony-Anhalt on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron to “express the unshakeable solidarity and friendship between France and Germany”. The minister will go to the cathedral in the afternoon to lay a wreath. With him also the regional Minister for Justice, Franziska Weidinger (CDU) and the city's high officials.
(Unioneonline/vf)
