“The defendant only cared about himself”: Public prosecutor demands life imprisonment for Magdeburg driver who killed

At the attack on December 20, 2024 six people killed and More than 300 others were injured, some seriously been. The prosecution accuses the 51-year-old of, among other things, six counts of murder and 338 counts of attempted murder.

It was planned for a long time

There was never any doubt as to who was the perpetrator, said Böttcher. The defendant had planned the crime for a long time. He did not pursue any serious ideological goals, but acted primarily for personal reasons. “The defendant was and is only concerned about himself.” The psychiatric expert told him a narcissistic personality disorder certified and identified an enormous need for attention.

During the plea, the defendant interrupted the proceedings several times with loud heckling. The presiding judge then had his microphone switched off. The 51-year-old only calmed down after a request was made to exclude him from the rest of the trial.

The man has been on trial at the Magdeburg regional court since November 10, 2025. Because of the variety of those affected became special an interim courthouse constructed. More than 200 co-plaintiffs are taking part in the proceedings.

Expert still sees danger

During the trial it became clear that many of those affected are still suffering from the consequences of the attack to this day. Numerous witnesses reported anxiety and panic attacks, sleep disorders and problems dealing with crowds. The victims include children and young people as well as adults and senior citizens from various federal states and abroad.

The defendant, who comes from Saudi Arabia and for years as a psychiatrist in the penal system worked in Bernburg, presented his view of things, especially at the beginning of the trial. He described himself as an activist and spoke of alleged cover-up actions by German authorities.

The psychiatric expert Bernd Langer continues to see the defendant as a danger to the general public. He spoke in favor of one Accommodation in preventive detention out of. One must expect further acts of violence at any time, said Langer. The defendant repeatedly used pressure to gain attention or influence decisions. (dpa)