Trial of Christmas market attacker begins in Magdeburg

The extensive trial of the Saudi man accused of last year's attack on a Christmas market, which killed six people and injured more than 320 others, including children, has begun at the Magdeburg Regional Court, reports the MDR website.

The defendant, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, admitted he was behind the wheel but showed no remorse and criticised the police and media, according to DPA.

In the attack, the car passed the site in 1 minute and 4 seconds at speeds of up to 48 km/h, and the prosecution charged him with six counts of murder and 338 counts of attempted murder.

Investigators said the prosecution believes the acts were motivated by "personal frustration" and a desire for attention. They found no drugs or alcohol present in the offender. The man, who previously worked as a prison doctor, had come to Germany in 2006 and was granted asylum.

The trial is extremely large - around 180 co-plaintiffs are taking part, more than 400 witnesses are expected to testify and the hearing will run until March next year.

(mja)