Germany Deports Afghan Nationals For The First Time Since Taliban

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits the scene of a knife attack, in Solingen, Germany, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. (Henning Kaiser/Pool Photo via AP)

Germany deported 28 Afghan nationals back to their homeland on Friday, marking the first such deportation since August 2021 when the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. The move was described by government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit as necessary due to the individuals being convicted criminals, although the specific offenses were not disclosed.

Hebestreit emphasized that the security interests of Germany outweigh the protection claims of criminals and those posing a threat to national security. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported the decision, stating that criminals should not expect to evade deportation.

According to reports, the offenses committed by the deportees included rape, serious arson, and manslaughter. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser defended the deportations as crucial for maintaining trust in the rule of law and ensuring security within Germany.

However, Amnesty International in Germany criticized the deportations, alleging that they were influenced by political pressure during an election campaign and violated international law. The organization argued that Afghanistan remains unsafe for returnees.

Deportations were the first since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan.

Germany deported 28 Afghan nationals due to criminal convictions.

Offenses included rape, arson, and manslaughter.

Germany's lack of diplomatic relations with the Taliban complicates deportation efforts, with the government having to navigate alternative channels. The recent deportations are unlikely to improve relations between Germany and the Taliban, especially following the Taliban's implementation of strict morality laws in Afghanistan.

The deportations come in the wake of a deadly knife attack in Solingen involving a Syrian asylum seeker. The suspect, linked to the Islamic State militant group, faces charges of murder and terrorism. The incident has reignited debates over immigration ahead of regional elections in German states.

In response to the attack, German officials have pledged to tighten knife laws and expedite deportations of criminals from Afghanistan and Syria. The government's actions reflect ongoing efforts to address security concerns and uphold the rule of law amidst complex geopolitical challenges.