Saudi Arabia is cooperating fully with German authorities investigating the Magdeburg market attack suspect, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen. However, a sense of frustration exists within the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as they claim to have repeatedly warned Germany about al-Abdulmohsen’s extremist views prior to the incident. The Saudis assert they sent four official diplomatic communications (“Notes Verbales”) to German intelligence agencies and the foreign ministry, but received no response.
This intelligence lapse is complicated by several factors. Al-Abdulmohsen was granted asylum in Germany in 2016, following Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to open Germany’s borders to a large influx of migrants. Al-Abdulmohsen, originally from Saudi Arabia, was a unique case, having renounced Islam, a punishable offense in his home country. He had left Saudi Arabia at age 32 and was active on social media, identifying himself as a psychiatrist and founder of a Saudi rights movement advocating for ex-Muslims. The Saudis allege he was involved in human trafficking, with their Ministry of Interior possessing a substantial file on him. Reports also suggest Saudi dissidents abroad, including in Germany, have been subject to surveillance by Saudi agents.
The German authorities have acknowledged shortcomings in their handling of al-Abdulmohsen’s case, including the failure to adequately secure the Magdeburg market, allowing the attack to occur. While they defend the market’s layout and cite an ongoing investigation, the prior warnings from Saudi Arabia raise serious questions about intelligence sharing and assessment.
A further layer of complexity is the delicate relationship between Saudi Arabia and the West. While considered an ally, Saudi Arabia has a problematic human rights record. Despite recent social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as allowing women to drive and opening entertainment venues, a simultaneous crackdown on political and religious dissent has occurred. This context makes Germany’s apparent disregard for Saudi intelligence warnings even more significant.
The case highlights the challenges of international intelligence cooperation, particularly when dealing with information from countries with differing political and social systems. It also raises questions about asylum procedures and the assessment of potential security threats within migrant populations. The Magdeburg attack underscores the need for improved communication and collaboration between nations to prevent future tragedies.
About the author
Ferry Services Resume After Six Weeks of Disruption, But Delays Hit Holyhead Reopening
Ferry services to and from Holyhead Port have resumed after being disrupted for over six weeks due to damage sustained during Storm Darragh in early December. The storm caused significant damage to terminals 3 and 5 at the Welsh port, with terminal 5 operating on a temporary basis upon reopening. The Irish Ferries ship WB Yeats arrived in Dublin Port from Holyhead this morning, marking the resumption of services. However, the initial restart was not without problems. Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), reported a three-hour delay for the second ferry from Dublin to Holyhead due to an electrical fault at the port. Hyland expressed concern about the port's readiness, citing the large backlog of freight on the Welsh side. He emphasized the potential for "huge disaster" for the haulage sector, passengers, and Ireland's imports […]
Conor McGregor Named in Civil Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault at NBA Finals
Conor McGregor, the mixed martial arts fighter and former UFC champion, is facing a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault at the Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena and American Airlines Arena) in Miami during the NBA Finals on June 9, 2023. The plaintiff alleges that McGregor assaulted her in a bathroom at the venue and is seeking unspecified damages from both McGregor and the Miami Heat Limited Partnership, the arena's ownership group. McGregor has denied the allegations through a spokesperson, dismissing them as a "shakedown." While the Miami Police Department initiated an investigation following a report filed on June 11, 2023, the Florida State Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges in October 2023. This declination does not preclude the pursuit of a civil suit, which has a different standard of proof than criminal proceedings. The lawsuit also details […]
Hollyoaks ‘Bad Boy’ Paul Danan Dies at 46
Paul Danan, best known for his role as Sol Patrick in the British soap opera Hollyoaks, has died at the age of 46, his management has confirmed. Danan portrayed the "bad boy" character on the Channel 4 show from 1997 to 2001 and subsequently became a familiar face on reality television. Independent Creative Management shared a statement with the PA news agency, expressing their sadness at Danan's passing and describing him as "a beacon of light to so many." They requested privacy for his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Beyond Hollyoaks, Danan participated in the reality dating show Celebrity Love Island in both 2005 and 2006. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (Channel 5) in 2017, where he was an early evictee and expressed hope that the show would revive his career. He frequently […]
Bandits Kill Three Telecom Workers in Kebbi State
Four people were killed in a bandit attack at a telecommunications construction site near the Nigeria-Niger border, Kebbi State police confirmed Saturday. The victims included three Airtel Communications employees and one local resident. The attack occurred on January 10 at approximately 8:47 pm in Gumki village, Arewa Local Government Area, where the workers were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service. The attackers, identified as suspected members of the Lakurawa bandit group, targeted the construction site. Kebbi State Police Commissioner Bello Sani and Immigration Service Comptroller Muhammad Bashir Lawali responded immediately to the incident, overseeing the transfer of victims' bodies to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi. In response to the attack, the Police Commissioner has strengthened security in the area by deploying additional tactical teams specifically tasked with targeting the Lakurawa bandits. He also organized a […]
‘The Right Man Won’t Be Scared’, Dancer Kaffy Speaks on Love After Divorce
Popular Nigerian dancer Kafayat Shafau, known professionally as Kaffy, has addressed speculation about dating following her 2022 separation from Joseph Ameh. The dancer and author dismissed the notion that successful women intimidate potential partners, stating confidently that the right man will approach her without fear. "A man who knows what he wants goes for it," Kaffy explained in an interview with Saturday Beats. While acknowledging that women can be successful independently, she emphasized that wanting companionship is natural, though not desperate. "Any man who has me is blessed," she added, reflecting her strong sense of self-worth. Speaking about her separation from Ameh, Kaffy maintained a remarkably mature perspective. Rather than assigning blame, she described it simply as two people no longer being in agreement. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially as a parent, over staying in an […]
Road Rage Incident in Temiskaming Shores, Canada
A 37-year-old suspect from Englehart, Ontario, has been charged in connection with a road rage incident that took place in Temiskaming Shores. The alarming event, captured on the victim’s dash cam, shows a white Toyota Rav 4 intentionally chasing and eventually ramming into the victim’s vehicle. The incident occurred on December 30th at around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 65 in Temiskaming Shores. In a news release on Friday, the Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated: "The Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police is seeking assistance from the public in locating anyone having video/dash camera footage in relation to collisions and erratic driving" linked to this incident. Following the collision, OPP officers made several attempts to stop the suspect's vehicle, ultimately deploying a spike belt. This action successfully halted the vehicle, and the driver was arrested without […]
Related
Eight Dead As Israeli Forces Launch Major Raid in Jenin
Eight Palestinians were killed and 35 injured during a major Israeli military operation in Jenin, West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The operation, named "Iron Wall," involved air strikes, troops, drones, helicopters, and armored bulldozers entering the city and its refugee camp. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described it as an "extensive and significant" operation to "defeat terrorism" in Jenin, which Israel considers a stronghold of Palestinian armed groups. The military aims to maintain its "freedom of action" in the West Bank, dismantle armed groups' infrastructure, and eliminate threats. Jenin's hospital director reported that three doctors and two nurses were among those wounded by Israeli gunfire. Palestinian security forces withdrew from some positions before the Israeli forces arrived, with their spokesman stating that Israeli forces had "opened fire on civilians and security forces." Netanyahu linked the operation to broader […]
Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza, Finding Widespread Destruction
Thousands of displaced Palestinians walked back to northern Gaza this week, discovering their homes and communities largely reduced to rubble following the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. At the Jabalia refugee camp, 32-year-old Asma Qaoud observed the extensive damage. "Everything has been devastated—our homes and our hearts," she said while sitting near a collapsed building. Upon returning, she learned of her brother's death and noted her husband remains in Israeli custody. The ceasefire, which began Sunday, halted Israel's 15-month military operation in Gaza. The truce has facilitated both the release of Hamas-held hostages and Palestinians in Israeli custody. According to UN data, approximately 1.9 million people—90% of Gaza's population—were displaced during the conflict, with an estimated 60% of the region's infrastructure destroyed. The Gaza Civil Defense reported recovering 66 bodies from the rubble on Monday. Local health officials […]
Border Camp Incident Unfolds During Mexican Government Operation
A confrontation occurred early Saturday at a migrant camp in northern Mexico's Chihuahua state when residents set fire to bedding materials during a government operation to clear the location. Approximately 250 Mexican officials, including National Guard military police equipped with riot gear, surrounded the encampment at midnight. Migrants responded by igniting mattresses and blankets in protest, with some families attempting to leave the area with their children and possessions, according to a Reuters witness at the scene. The fire was contained within an hour, and no injuries were reported. The camp, situated approximately 220 miles from Ciudad Juarez near the El Paso, Texas, border, housed around 150 migrants, predominantly Venezuelan families seeking entry to the United States. A migration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the operation's purpose was to transport migrants to Mexico's southern border for repatriation […]
South Korean Court Incident Follows Presidential Detention Extension
A confrontation unfolded at Seoul Western District Court early Sunday when supporters of detained South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol breached the building following his extended detention order. The incident occurred after a judge granted a 20-day detention extension for Yoon, who was arrested Wednesday on potential insurrection charges related to his December 3 martial law declaration. The court cited concerns about evidence preservation in its decision. Around 3 a.m. local time, protesters overwhelmed riot police, entering the building after deploying fire extinguishers against security forces. The intrusion resulted in damage to office equipment and furniture, with some participants broadcasting their actions on YouTube. Law enforcement restored order within hours, arresting 46 protesters. Nine police officers sustained injuries, while approximately 40 people received treatment for minor injuries near the court, according to emergency responders. Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the […]
Families Wait in Agony as Gaza Ceasefire Deal Stalls Last Minute
The planned ceasefire between Israel and Hamas faced an unexpected delay on Sunday morning in Gaza as negotiations stalled over the list of hostages to be released. The pause in fighting was originally scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time. Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had directed the ceasefire would not take effect until Hamas provided the required hostage information. Hamas responded by stating their continued commitment to the agreement, attributing the delay to "technical reasons in the field." The proposed exchange agreement includes the release of 33 hostages from Gaza in return for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The initial phase would see three female hostages freed on Sunday, with each civilian hostage's release triggering the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners, or 50 if the hostage is a military […]
Russian Court Sentences Navalny’s Legal Team to Prison Terms
A Russian court has sentenced three lawyers who represented the deceased opposition leader Alexei Navalny to prison terms ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 years in a penal colony. The verdict was delivered Friday in the Vladimir region, east of Moscow. Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser, and Vadim Kobzev, arrested in October 2023, received sentences of 3.5, 5, and 5.5 years respectively. The trial was conducted behind closed doors. In November 2023, the lawyers were added to Russia's official list of "terrorists and extremists." Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny, responded to the verdicts on X, stating that the three men are "political prisoners and must be released immediately." OVD-Info, a rights organization, expressed concern that prosecuting defense lawyers could undermine the remaining elements of Russia's legal system. The group stated that Navalny's lawyers were prosecuted because "the letter of the law […]
Be the first to leave a comment