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Magdeburg Withholds Approval for Christmas Market Over Security Failures

A state review found the organizer’s safety plan inadequate following last year’s deadly attack.

Overview

  • The state administrative authority issued a seven-page critique of the market’s safety concept, highlighting deficiencies in access protection, entry checks, and youth protection.
  • Citing that letter, the city said it will not issue a permit for now despite its differing legal view and earlier preparations for a planned November 20 opening.
  • Officials interpreted the requirements to include certified vehicle barriers rated to 7.5 tonnes and admission controls at entrances.
  • The organizer rejects assuming general responsibility for terror or fully fencing the site, leaving core responsibilities contested.
  • The move coincided with the opening of the trial of suspect Taleb A., one year after an attack that left six people dead and hundreds injured.