Germany recently deported 28 Afghan criminals to Afghanistan. The Taliban has now reportedly released these men after receiving assurances from their families.
Suhail Shaheen, head of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Qatar, has stated that the Afghan criminals deported from Germany are now free. According to Shaheen, the individuals were initially screened upon arrival. “They were released after their families provided written assurances that they would not commit any crimes,” he told the German Press Agency. Inquiries to ministries in Kabul have so far gone unanswered.
First deportation flight since Taliban takeover
Last Friday marked the first deportation flight from Germany to Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power three years ago. The flight, operated by Qatar Airways, carried 28 deportees who were convicted criminals without the right to remain in Germany and had deportation orders against them. Union politicians have called for more deportation flights.
According to Al Jazeera, Qatar mediated between the German government and the Taliban for this deportation. Germany does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Taliban in Kabul, and no country worldwide has officially recognized the Islamist government. The group remains internationally isolated, particularly due to its disregard for human rights, especially women’s rights. Qatar has previously mediated between the West and the Taliban.
This was the first time Germany has deported individuals to Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in August 2021. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that there was no direct contact with the Taliban, and the deportation was organized through partners.
