Germany Deports 28 Afghan Criminals to Kabul

Germany has deported 28 Afghan nationals, all convicted criminals, back to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. This deportation flight, which departed from Leipzig, comes in the wake of a deadly knife attack attributed to Islamist extremism that left a police officer dead, prompting the German government to act on rising public pressure regarding migration and security. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that the deportations were necessary for ensuring public safety, while government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit clarified that they involved no direct negotiations with the Taliban, with Qatar reportedly acting as an intermediary. The deportees received financial compensation of €1,000 each, a measure intended to prevent extreme deprivation upon their return. The operation has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, as Afghanistan remains a dangerous environment for returnees. The deportations also coincide with upcoming regional elections, where anti-immigration sentiments are expected to influence voter behavior.