Security debate after attack - markets start in Saxony

Despite the security concerns for the Christmas market in Magdeburg, the markets in Saxony's largest cities will go ahead. The 591st Dresden Striezelmarkt is safe and will open as planned on November 26, a city spokeswoman said on request. The same applies to the Christmas markets in Leipzig and Chemnitz. There, it was said that the security concepts had been adapted following the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg last year.

The Magdeburg Christmas market will not receive a permit for the time being - due to discussions about the security concept. The background to this is a letter from the State Administration Office to the city in which this concept was criticized almost a year after the devastating attack, as the city announced on Monday. Among other things, it concerns access protection and the security forces.

Almost a year ago, an attacker drove through the Christmas market in a 340 hp rental car, killing six people and injuring around 300, some of them seriously. The trial against the accused from Saudi Arabia began in Magdeburg on Monday. The indictment accuses the 51-year-old of six counts of murder and attempted murder of a further 338 people.