Germany resumes Afghan deportations after mass stabbing

Germany has executed its first deportation of convicted Afghan offenders back to Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control three years ago. This action follows closely after a tragic incident where three individuals were killed at a street festival in Solingen, an event that not only horrified the nation but also reignited discussions on Germany’s asylum policies. The primary suspect in the Solingen attack was identified as a 26-year-old Syrian refugee, who was under deportation orders, highlighting the complexities of Germany’s immigration and security policies.

This deportation flight, which took off from Leipzig/Halle Airport, marks a significant shift in policy, especially given the absence of diplomatic relations with the Taliban government. The decision to deport was influenced by recent violent incidents, including another deadly attack in May involving an Afghan national, which has intensified public and political pressure on the government to address security concerns linked to immigration.

The timing of this deportation is notable, occurring just days before crucial regional elections in eastern Germany, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has seen a surge in support. This move by the government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is seen as an attempt to address voter concerns over immigration and security, issues that have been central to the AfD’s campaign.

The deportation has sparked a debate not only on security but also on human rights, with critics questioning the safety and rights of deportees under Taliban rule. However, the government’s stance, supported by recent public sentiments, reflects a broader European trend towards stricter immigration controls, particularly in response to acts of violence committed by foreign nationals.

This development underscores the delicate balance Germany, and indeed much of Europe, is navigating between upholding humanitarian commitments and addressing domestic security and political pressures.

On Friday, a chartered flight departed from Leipzig at approximately 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT), transporting 28 Afghan men back to Kabul on a Boeing 787. This event marked a significant policy shift as Germany, under the leadership of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, resumed deportations to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban regained control in August 2021.

Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit clarified that these individuals were “convicted offenders who had no right to remain in Germany,” emphasizing that deportation orders had already been issued against them. This decision comes amidst heightened security concerns following several violent incidents, notably the knife attacks in Mannheim in May, where a police officer was killed by an Afghan national, and more recently in Solingen, where three were killed and eight injured. The Solingen attack, allegedly carried out by Issa Al H, a 26-year-old Syrian with suspected ties to the Islamic State, has further fueled public and political debate over immigration policies.

The deportation was facilitated despite Germany’s lack of diplomatic relations with the Taliban, showcasing the government’s resolve to address public outcry over immigration and security. Chancellor Scholz, visiting Solingen in the aftermath of the attack, reiterated the government’s commitment to deporting those who pose a threat or have no legal basis to stay, signaling a tougher stance on immigration ahead of regional elections where immigration has become a pivotal issue.

This move not only reflects Germany’s internal political dynamics but also its broader European context, where immigration policies are increasingly scrutinized in light of security and cultural integration challenges. The decision to deport, coupled with the provision of €1,000 to each deportee, underscores the complex balance between humanitarian considerations and national security imperatives.