On August 30, 2024, Germany executed its first deportation of Afghan nationals since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, sending 28 convicted criminals back to Afghanistan. The charter flight, departing from Leipzig/Halle airport and bound for Kabul, was the result of months of careful planning and secret negotiations facilitated by Qatar, which has close ties to the current Afghan regime.Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated, “These are Afghan citizens who are convicted criminals and did not have the right to stay in Germany and had expulsion orders against them”. Each deportee reportedly received 1,000 euros in cash before the flight, and a doctor was present on board.The operation comes in the wake of recent violent incidents in Germany, including a deadly knife attack in Solingen allegedly carried out by a Syrian asylum seeker with suspected links to the Islamic State. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously vowed to restart deportations of criminals from Afghanistan and Syria, stating, “It outrages me when someone who has found protection here commits the most serious crimes”.Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the move as a “security issue” for Germany, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing criminal activity among migrants. The decision has sparked intense debate within Germany, particularly as it comes ahead of regional elections in Saxony and Thuringia, where anti-immigration parties are expected to perform well.Critics, including Amnesty International Germany, have accused the government of caving to political pressure and potentially violating international law. Green Party co-leader Omid Nouripour expressed concern, stating, “This flight should not lead to the Taliban being legitimized. I remain skeptical about mass deportations to Afghanistan”.The German government is exploring alternative routes for future deportations, including negotiations with neighboring countries like Uzbekistan, as it lacks diplomatic relations with the Taliban regime. This deportation may serve as a blueprint for future actions, although the government faces significant challenges in balancing security concerns with human rights considerations.
Key points
- Germany deported 28 Afghan nationals, all convicted criminals, to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
- The deportation was facilitated by secret negotiations with Qatar, with each deportee receiving 1,000 euros before departure.
- The move has sparked debate over immigration and security policies in Germany, particularly ahead of regional elections.
- Critics argue the deportation may violate international law and indirectly legitimize the Taliban regime.
Contradictions👾While the German government emphasizes the security necessity of the deportations, critics argue it may violate international law and human rights considerations.
👾The government claims to prioritize security, but the decision to provide 1,000 euros to each deportee has raised questions about the nature of the operation.
