Saudi authorities issued warnings to their German counterparts regarding a suspected attacker at the Magdeburg Christmas market on three separate occasions, according to a source familiar with the communications.
The initial warning was conveyed in 2007 and was linked to Saudi concerns about the individual, identified as Taleb A., expressing various radical viewpoints. Saudi Arabia has classified him as a fugitive and sought his extradition from Germany between 2007 and 2008. However, German authorities declined the extradition request, citing apprehensions about the man's safety upon his return.
According to the source, Saudi authorities alleged that Taleb A. had targeted Saudis residing abroad who opposed his political stances. Additionally, they highlighted his affiliation with the far-right German party Alternative for Germany (AfD) and his adoption of radical anti-Islamic beliefs.
The warnings from Saudi Arabia shed light on the complex nature of the individual's background and activities, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing security threats and extremist ideologies.
