The trial of Salim Al-Abdulmohsen, accused in connection with the 2019 attack on a Christmas market in Dresden, is scheduled to begin October 17th before the Magdeburg District Court. Prosecutors filed charges against Al-Abdulmohsen in august, and the court has now decided to proceed to a full hearing.
The case, involving a large number of participants, necessitated the construction of a temporary courthouse in Magdeburg.The state of Saxony-Anhalt leased a 700-seat hall specifically for the trial, incurring costs of 1.7 million euros to date. Officials stated no existing courthouse within the state possessed sufficient capacity to accommodate the proceedings.
Six people died and numerous others were injured when a vehicle was driven into the Christmas market on december 21, 2019. Al-Abdulmohsen is accused of playing a supporting role in the attack. The trial is expected to be lengthy and closely watched, as it concerns a high-profile case of suspected terrorism.
Bild previously reported an incorrect death toll of eight; the publication has issued a correction acknowledging the actual number of fatalities was six and apologized for the error.
[Image of the specially constructed courthouse in Magdeburg, with a caption stating it can accommodate up to 700 people. Photo: Christian Schroedter]