The deadly car-ramming attack at Magdeburg’s Christmas market in December has deepened anti-migrant sentiments and fueled a surge in racial violence. The incident, which claimed the lives of five women and a nine-year-old boy, left more than 200 people injured.

The suspect, a Saudi-born doctor who had lived in Germany since 2006, drove his car into the crowded market, turning a festive evening into chaos and tragedy. While authorities have stated that the suspect does not fit the standard extremist profile, the event has intensified far-right rhetoric and led to increased hostility against migrants.

Hate Crimes on the Rise Following Far-Right Protests

Just a day after the attack, a large far-right demonstration took place in Magdeburg, where protesters condemned Germany’s immigration policies. Since then, racial attacks in the city have escalated significantly.

The German-Syrian Cultural Association reported a sharp increase in racist incidents. Saeeid Saeeid, a Syrian migrant working with the association, revealed that racial violence had surged by 70% since the attack.

“Racism existed before, but now it has intensified,” Saeeid said. “People feel emboldened to act on their prejudices.”

Ketevan Asatiani-Hermann, chair of the Advisory Council for Integration and Migration, echoed these concerns. She stated that many migrants now feel abandoned by authorities and fear for their safety.

“Discrimination and prejudice have always been present, but the attack has made people more vocal about their hatred,” she said. “Instead of protecting victims, law enforcement sometimes questions them, making migrants hesitant to report violence.”

A Turkish-owned bakery was vandalized in the days following the attack, with racist slurs painted on its walls. A Syrian refugee was also assaulted on a train by a group of masked men. These incidents, Asatiani-Hermann warned, indicate a growing climate of fear for migrant communities.

AfD’s Growing Influence Reshapes Germany’s Immigration Debate

Magdeburg, located in eastern Germany, has long been a stronghold of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Currently polling at 20%, the party has gained momentum ahead of the next election. While the AfD is unlikely to secure a governing majority, its influence has already pushed mainstream politics to adopt tougher stances on immigration.

The attack at the Christmas market has given AfD supporters more fuel to criticize Germany’s asylum policies. The party’s local leaders argue that the tragedy proves the need for stricter border controls and harsher deportation laws.

Asatiani-Hermann warned that if the AfD continues to gain ground, Magdeburg’s political atmosphere could become even more hostile toward migrants.

“The political landscape is shifting, and it’s migrants who will suffer the most,” she said. “We are already seeing an increase in racial profiling and xenophobic attacks.”

Authorities Call for Unity, But Fear Remains

Mayor Simone Borris released a statement urging residents to remain united and not allow fear and anger to divide the community.

“Cohesion and community are the heart of our city and must remain intact,” she said. She also pledged to work closely with the Advisory Council for Integration and Migration to address concerns raised by migrant groups.

Despite these assurances, many migrants remain fearful. Saeeid stressed the need for leaders to do more than just issue statements.

“Words alone will not stop the hate,” he said. “We need real action to protect people.”

Human rights organizations have called on Germany’s government to take concrete steps to prevent further racial violence. Suggestions include increased police monitoring of hate groups, stronger laws against racist crimes, and more support for victims of discrimination.

For now, many migrants in Magdeburg continue to live in fear, hoping that authorities will step in before tensions escalate further.

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