German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on the public in the country to unite after the deadly attack on a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg on Friday, December 20, when a car drove into a crowd of people, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
"Hatred and violence should not have the last word. Let there be no division among us. Let us stick together," Steinmeier said in a Christmas address.
The president noted that many will welcome Christmas with heavy hearts, experiencing anxiety and uncertainty, and perhaps fear- "All these feelings are understandable. But they should not control us and they should not paralyze us," he added.
Five people died in Magdeburg on Friday night, including a nine-year-old child, and 235 were injured. The suspect behind the wheel of the car is a Saudi national, identified only as Taleb A, as required by German law, the DPA noted. He is currently being held in custody awaiting trial.
Steinmeier also expressed his condolences to the victims' relatives. "You are not alone in your pain. "People all over the country are grieving with you," the president said.
Hundreds of people in Magdeburg formed a human chain last night in memory of the victims of the Christmas market attack to oppose right-wing extremists, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The crowd formed around the Alter Markt square, where a man drove his car through the Christmas market on Friday, killing five people and injuring 235.
The "Don't Give Hate a Chance" initiative called for a human chain, with the diocese of Magdeburg also joining the event.
Organizers said thousands of people of all ages took part, standing side by side, holding candles, applauding the emergency services and expressing their gratitude.
At the same time, supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfG) party held a rally in the square in front of the cathedral, repeatedly chanting “Deport!“.
AfG co-chair Alice Weidel said people finally wanted to live in safety. Regarding the alleged perpetrator, she said that anyone who despises the citizens of the country that granted him asylum "does not belong to us".
Shortly after her speech and the minute of silence, a mourning procession took place.