Saudi officials are actively compiling and sharing intelligence on Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the suspect in the Magdeburg market attack, to assist Germany’s ongoing investigation. Inside Riyadh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a palpable sense of frustration. The ministry claims it had repeatedly warned the German government about al-Abdulmohsen’s extremist views but received no response.

The Saudis reportedly sent four formal diplomatic communications, known as "Notes Verbales," to Germany—three to its intelligence agencies and one to the Foreign Ministry in Berlin. Despite these efforts, no action was taken.

A Controversial Figure

Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi-born dissident, was granted asylum in Germany in 2016, a year after former Chancellor Angela Merkel opened Germany’s borders to over a million Middle Eastern migrants. Al-Abdulmohsen moved to Europe in 2006 after leaving Saudi Arabia, where he had renounced Islam—a move that made him a heretic in the eyes of many in his homeland.

Born in Hofuf in 1974, little is known about his early life. However, he became an outspoken critic of the Saudi regime, identifying himself on social media as a psychiatrist and founder of a Saudi rights movement under the username @SaudiExMuslims. He also ran a website aimed at helping Saudi women flee to Europe, which Saudi authorities allege was part of human trafficking operations. Saudi intelligence services, known as the Mabaatheth, reportedly have an extensive file on him.

German Oversights and Security Lapses

Germany’s handling of al-Abdulmohsen has drawn criticism, with federal and state authorities accused of ignoring Saudi warnings. The failure to act may be linked to concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, which could have led Germany to view the warnings with skepticism.

The attack itself exposed additional vulnerabilities. Authorities failed to block or guard an emergency access route to the Magdeburg Alter Markt, allowing the suspect to allegedly drive his vehicle into a crowded area. While German officials have defended the market’s layout, they have confirmed that investigations into al-Abdulmohsen’s past are ongoing.

Diplomatic and Ethical Complexities

This case also underscores broader tensions between the West and Saudi Arabia. Despite being a key ally, Saudi Arabia’s human rights record has drawn international criticism. Until 2018, Saudi women were barred from driving, and activists advocating for change often faced imprisonment.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remains a popular leader within Saudi Arabia, but reports of Saudi surveillance of dissidents abroad—such as in Germany, Canada, and the U.S.—further complicate the narrative. While the kingdom views al-Abdulmohsen as a dangerous figure, some see his activism as a fight for freedom.

The Bigger Picture

This case highlights the challenges of balancing security concerns with human rights values in international relations. It also raises questions about how governments handle asylum seekers who may pose security risks, and whether enough is being done to safeguard public spaces from potential threats.

For now, Saudi Arabia is making every effort to cooperate with Germany to address the aftermath of the attack and its troubling implications.