Germany Resumes Deportation of Afghan Criminals Amid Migration Concerns
By Riham Alkousaa and Ludwig Burger
Germany has resumed flying convicted criminals of Afghan nationality back to their home country, a move that comes just days before regional elections in which migration is a key issue.
The decision to resume deportations to Afghanistan was made after Berlin had halted the practice due to human rights concerns following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Recent incidents, such as a fatal stabbing at a city festival and a knife attack by an Afghan man that resulted in the death of a German policeman, have put pressure on the government to reverse its suspension of deportations.
The coalition government, facing criticism over its handling of migration issues, introduced measures to tighten asylum policy and expedite deportations ahead of elections in the eastern states of Saxony and Thuringia. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its anti-migration stance, is leading in the polls.
According to a report by Spiegel magazine, a flight carrying 28 convicted criminals bound for Kabul took off from Leipzig early on Friday after months of negotiations with the help of a mediator from Qatar. Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed the deportation plan, stating that criminals would be sent back to Afghanistan.
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck stressed the importance of upholding the right to asylum in Germany, even as deportations of criminals resume. The government expressed gratitude to "key regional partners" for their support and indicated that more deportations were in the works.
While negotiations with the Taliban, who are under international sanctions, present challenges, the German government has emphasized that the deportation does not signify a normalization of relations with the militant group.
In addition to Afghanistan, Germany is also working on deporting individuals who have committed serious crimes or are considered terrorist threats to Syria. A court ruling in July paved the way for deportations to Syria, which had previously been banned.
Despite the recent deportation, the number of asylum seekers in Germany has declined by nearly 20% compared to the previous year, with the largest groups of applicants hailing from Syria and Afghanistan.
Public opinion in Germany has been divided on the issue of deportations, with some expressing concern over the fate of deportees in their home countries. Past incidents, such as the suicide of a young Afghan refugee following his deportation, have raised questions about the ethical implications of such actions.