Migrant groups in Magdeburg, Germany, say racism has sharply increased following a deadly Christmas market attack last year. Haben Gebregergish, an Eritrean immigrant, recalls her first encounter with racism when a woman threw a beer bottle at her. Now, she and others in the city feel even more unsafe.
The attack on December 20 involved a Saudi doctor who drove into a crowded market, killing five women and a nine-year-old boy and injuring 200 others. The suspect, who has lived in Germany since 2006, does not fit the usual profile of extremists but remains in custody as investigations continue.
The German-Syrian Cultural Association in Magdeburg reports that racist attacks have surged by more than 70% since the incident. “Racism was already here, but now it’s much worse,” said Saeeid Saeeid, a Syrian immigrant. Many victims fear reporting attacks due to concerns over their residency status.
Ketevan Asatiani-Hermann, head of the city’s Advisory Council for Integration and Migration, believes authorities do not offer enough support to victims. “The hatred was always there, but people now express it more openly,” she said. Some migrants claim that police often target victims first before addressing the perpetrators. The Magdeburg Police Department has not responded to requests for comment.
Magdeburg, located in former East Germany, is a stronghold of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is gaining traction ahead of Sunday’s early election. The party is polling at 20% and has influenced Germany’s migration debate, even if it is unlikely to take power soon.
Mayor Simone Borris has emphasized the city’s commitment to unity and community, promising to expand cooperation with migrant support services. However, many migrants say they feel alone and unheard by politicians. “We won’t let Magdeburg become a playground for racism and hatred,” Saeeid stated.