Magdeburg Christmas market cancelled over 'safety issues' year after deadly terror attack

Six people were killed in a terror attack at the market last year (picture from 2024) (Image: Getty)

The Magdeburg Christmas market has been cancelled over safety fears, one year after the terror attack that claimed the lives of six people. Mayor of the city, Simone Borris, confirmed the cancellation following a special meeting to discuss the market. She said "all experts agree" that postponing it for 2025 is the correct decision. She said: "All experts agree that concrete counter-terrorism measures are a state responsibility, for which the organiser of a Christmas market cannot be held accountable."

Ms Borris suggested that it was not the city of Magdeburg's responsibility to create tougher security measures, as this was up to counter-terrorism police and the regional government of Saxony-Anhalt. According to local media reports, she was given a letter from state officials warning of the lack of security measures, including barriers to prevent cars from getting in.

Dozens were left injured after a car was driven into the Christmas market last year. (Image: Getty)

Saudi psychiatrist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen stands accused of committing the attack, with his trial beginning this week. 

He is accused of murdering five women and a nine-year-old boy on December 20, 2024. 

He appeared in court on Monday with his feet shackled and accompanies by armed police. He will be held in a bullet-proof glass case throughout the trial.

The horrendous attack saw a black BMW X3 driven through a gap in the security barrier around the market's perimeter, supposed to be in place at all German Christmas markets to prevent terror attacks. 

It rammed through the crowd on Old Market alleyway, killing six and injuring dozens.

Al-Abdulmohsen acted "with the intention of killing an indeterminately large number of people", chief public prosecutor Matthias Bottcher said. 

The defendant delivered a long speech from the dock on Monday, accusing former Chancellor Angela Merkel of "betraying" the country and discussing women's rights in Saudi Arabia. 

He came to Germany in 2006 as a refugee, working as a psychiatrist until 2020. He faces life in prison if convicted.