In a significant policy shift, Germany has resumed deportations to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. On August 30, 2024, a Qatar Airways charter flight carrying 28 convicted Afghan criminals departed from Leipzig/Halle Airport bound for Kabul. The operation, which had been secretly planned for over two months, was coordinated by the Federal Ministry of the Interior with support from the Chancellor’s Office.Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated, ‘It was a matter of Afghan nationals who were all convicted felons, had no right to stay in Germany, and were in contravention of deportation orders’. Each deportee reportedly received 1,000 euros in cash before the flight, and a doctor was present on board.The German government did not directly negotiate with the Taliban but instead sought assistance from Qatar, which has close ties to the current Afghan regime. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) had announced plans for deportations to Syria and Afghanistan just days before, as part of a ‘large return and deportation package’.This controversial move comes in the wake of recent violent incidents in Germany, including a knife attack in Solingen that left three dead and was allegedly carried out by a Syrian man with suspected links to the Islamic State. The timing of the deportation also coincides with upcoming state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, where the anti-immigration AfD party is leading in polls.The decision has sparked debate within Germany. While the government argues that ‘Germany’s security interests clearly take precedence over the interest in protecting criminals and dangerous individuals’, critics, including members of the Green Party, have expressed concerns about potential human rights implications and the risk of indirectly recognizing the Taliban regime.As Germany grapples with these complex issues, the government has stated its commitment to continuing such deportations, signaling a tougher stance on immigration and security policies.
Key points
- Germany has deported 28 convicted Afghan criminals to Afghanistan, the first such action since the Taliban took power in 2021.
- The deportation was secretly planned for months and involved coordination with Qatar as a mediator.
- This move comes amid heightened debates on immigration and security following recent violent incidents in Germany.
- The German government emphasizes security interests, while critics raise concerns about human rights and recognition of the Taliban regime.
Contradictions👾While the government claims the deportation was planned before recent events, some sources suggest it’s a direct response to the Solingen attack and upcoming elections.
