Germany deports 32 Afghans to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
Germany has deported 32 Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan, marking another controversial flight carried out under a direct agreement with the Taliban. The deportation has triggered renewed political and human rights criticism across Europe.
According to Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior, the men deported on Tuesday were convicted criminals who had committed serious offences, including homicide, rape, child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and violent extortion. The flight departed from Leipzig/Halle Airport and later landed in Kabul.
Authorities said the deportees came from several German federal states, including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein. Some were also under federal police jurisdiction. Around 35 protesters gathered at the airport to oppose the deportation.
This marks at least the sixth reported deportation flight from Germany to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan since August 2024. The operations are made possible through direct arrangements between German authorities and the Taliban, allowing deportations without intermediary countries such as Qatar, which previously helped coordinate flights.
The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has defended the policy, arguing that individuals who commit serious crimes forfeit their right to remain in the country. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that such offenders “have no right to return to our society.”
However, the move has faced strong opposition from human rights organizations and political parties. Critics argue that Afghanistan remains unsafe, pointing to widespread poverty, hunger, political repression, and severe restrictions on women’s rights under Taliban rule.
Opposition figures warn that cooperating directly with the Taliban risks political normalization of the regime. Some also question whether Germany is compromising its human rights stance in order to secure deportation agreements, especially after earlier talks between German officials and Taliban representatives.
Despite criticism, supporters of stricter migration policy argue that deportations of convicted criminals are necessary for public safety. Several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, and Sweden, are reportedly exploring similar approaches, while the EU continues discussions on expanded deportation frameworks and “return hubs” outside Europe.