Germany deported Afghan nationals to their homeland on Friday for the first time since August 2021, when the Taliban returned to power. The government spokesperson described the 28 Afghan nationals as convicted criminals but did not clarify their offenses. This move has sparked controversy and debate over immigration policies in Germany.
Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated, “The security interests of Germany clearly outweigh the claim for protection of criminals and individuals endangering national security.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also supported the decision, emphasizing that those who commit crimes cannot expect to avoid deportation.
However, not everyone is in agreement with the deportations. Amnesty International in Germany criticized the government’s actions, stating that Afghanistan is not safe and alleging that the deportations violate international law. The issue has become a focal point in the upcoming regional elections in the German states of Saxony and Thuringia.
The deportations come in the wake of a deadly knife attack in Solingen, Germany, where the suspect is a Syrian citizen who had applied for asylum in Germany. The suspect, who was supposed to be deported last year, is now being held on suspicion of murder and membership of a terrorist organization.
The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, further complicating the situation. The incident has reignited discussions about immigration policies and security measures in Germany.
As the debate continues, German officials are working to address concerns and tighten laws to prevent similar incidents in the future. The issue of deportations and immigration policies remains a contentious topic in Germany, with the upcoming elections likely to influence future decisions on the matter.
