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Trial begins in Magdeburg: Six dead after Christmas market attack!
The trial against a man who killed six people at the Magdeburg Christmas market begins on November 10th, 2025.
Trial begins in Magdeburg: Six dead after Christmas market attack!
The eagerly awaited trial began on November 10, 2025 in the Magdeburg regional court against a man who drove a car into a crowd at the Christmas market in December 2024. This horrific act resulted in six deaths and injured over 320 people, including many children. The MDR reports on the course of the proceedings and the associated emotions in the city.
The population of Magdeburg is deeply affected by the events and the upcoming trial. A survey highlights the sadness that is still palpable in the city. However, many citizens also express incomprehension about the long waiting time until the hearing and about the visibility of the defendant during the trial. As tagesschau.de reports, a temporary courthouse was built that is able to hold up to 700 people and offers a large courtroom of 2,000 square meters.
Dangerous charges
The defendant faces serious charges: six counts of murder, attempted murder in hundreds of cases and grievous bodily harm in more than 300 cases. The impending sentence could – in the worst case scenario – be life imprisonment followed by preventive detention. The main hearing is scheduled for 47 days and could last until mid-March. Additional weekly meetings with up to three days of negotiations are also planned.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office has refused to take responsibility for this case, so the proceedings remain in Magdeburg. Given the seriousness of the crimes, high security measures are being taken. Access controls, gates and a secure area for the defendant were implemented to ensure the safety of all involved.
Mixed emotions among the population
Public reactions are mixed. Some people in Magdeburg show compassion and understanding for the proceedings, while others are surprised at the long duration of the legal dispute and the media coverage. In conversations it becomes clear that the fear and pain from the tragedy in December 2024 is still present and has a strong impact on the community.
In the coming weeks, public attention will continue to be focused on this process. The course of events will show whether justice will be achieved for the victims and their families. This tragedy and the trial itself not only raise questions about safety at public events, but also leave deep marks on the psyche of the people of Magdeburg.