The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has verified that no Singaporeans were directly affected in the recent attack on a Christmas market in Germany. In response to the tragic incident in the eastern German city of Magdeburg, where five individuals lost their lives and over 200 others were injured, an MFA spokesperson condemned the attack, emphasizing, “There cannot be any justification for such attacks on innocent people.”
Expressing solidarity with the people of Germany, the spokesperson added, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish the injured a quick recovery.” The MFA has reached out to eRegistered Singaporeans in Saxony-Anhalt, the region where Magdeburg is situated, to ensure their safety.
The suspect responsible for the attack, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi psychiatry doctor named Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, was apprehended at the scene. It was revealed that Abdulmohsen harbored strong anti-Islam sentiments and was disgruntled with Germany’s migrant and asylum policy. Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Fraser described him as holding “Islamophobic” views.
MFA issued a cautionary advisory to Singaporeans in Germany, urging them to stay informed about local developments and abide by instructions from local authorities. The advisory also stressed the importance of avoiding crowded areas, especially in the vicinity of the Magdeburg Alter Markt district.
Quoting the MFA statement, “They should be vigilant and take the necessary precautions, including avoiding crowded places, and especially the incident site near the Magdeburg Alter Markt district.”
For any Singaporeans requiring immediate consular assistance, the contact information for the Singapore Embassy in Berlin and the 24-hour Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office is provided.
Singapore Embassy in Berlin
Tel: +49 30 2263 430
Duty Hand-Phone: +49 152 2341 2182
Email: [email protected]
MFA Duty Office (24-hours)
Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855
Email: [email protected]
