Elon Musk has sharply criticized Germany’s decision to decline the extradition of a Saudi Arabian suspect involved in a deadly Christmas market attack, citing human rights concerns. Musk, reacting to the news, referred to the decision as an act of “suicidal empathy.”
The incident, which occurred in Magdeburg, Germany, saw a car plowing into a crowd, killing five people, including a 9-year-old, and injuring over 60 others. The suspect, identified as Taleb A., a 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist, was arrested at the scene. Reports indicate he has been living in Germany since 2006 and has voiced controversial views on Islam and immigration on his social media.
Musk took to his platform, X, to call for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign, describing him as an “incompetent fool” in a post. He further supported a critique of Europe’s so-called “suicidal empathy policy.”
The attack shocked Germany, leading several towns to cancel their Christmas markets over the weekend, while Berlin increased police presence at its events. Authorities are still investigating the motive, speculating it could be linked to the suspect’s dissatisfaction with the treatment of Saudi refugees in Germany.
This incident comes in the wake of heightened security concerns during the festive season in Germany, which has faced similar violent attacks in recent years. The tragedy has reignited debates over immigration policies and security measures in the country.
