Germany triples Afghan deportation flights after technical talks with Taliban
Germany's interior ministry has arranged with the Taliban to increase deportation flights of Afghan criminals to up to three charter flights per month, plus individual returns on commercial airlines, a spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.
Deportation flights tripled
Germany's interior ministry has arranged with the Taliban to dramatically increase deportation flights to Afghanistan. A spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that up to three charter flights per month will now be possible, in addition to individual returns on scheduled commercial airlines "at any time." The move follows confidential technical-level talks between ministry officials and the Afghan Taliban government, which Germany does not officially recognize.
Whoever abuses our protection and commits serious crimes here must seek their future in their home country. Our society has a legitimate interest in criminals leaving our country.
At least 100 criminals awaiting removal
The Bild am Sonntag newspaper, which first reported the deal, said at least 100 Afghan convicts are currently in regular detention or deportation custody in Germany, eligible for removal. Those targeted include individuals convicted of rape, murder, child sexual abuse, drug trafficking and extortion. A recent charter flight already sent 32 such offenders back to Afghanistan.
Technical talks with a regime
The German government has framed the negotiations as "technical-level" discussions because it does not recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Earlier this month, the Taliban cancelled a planned deportation flight, arguing it needed more diplomatic staff in Germany to process returns smoothly. Only two Taliban representatives are currently accredited in the country, leading some former Afghan diplomats to accuse the Taliban of pressure tactics.
With a deportation deal, Germany is normalizing an internationally ostracized regime that completely disenfranchises women and systematically persecutes opponents. This is devastating for human rights and diplomatically foolish.
Sharp divide over human rights
Pro Asyl and other human rights groups have strongly condemned the deportations, arguing they confer diplomatic legitimacy on the Taliban. The CDU deputy parliamentary leader Günter Krings dismissed such criticism, insisting that removing serious criminals enhances national security. He said Germany is committed to the security and welfare of the country and is fulfilling that duty.
The deportation of rapists, threats and drug dealers to Afghanistan makes Germany safer. We are committed to the security and welfare of Germany and are fulfilling this duty through these deportation flights.
