Brandenburg's interior minister advocates for dialogues with the Taliban.
Should hardcore criminals be sent back to their homelands, even if oppressive regimes are in power there? Brandenburg's Interior Minister is advocating for talks with Syria and Afghanistan on this issue. He feels discretion about Taliban contact isn't necessary.
In the discussion on the deportation of criminals, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen encourages the German government to push for serious talks with Syria and Afghanistan. "I'm glad to hear promises, but it's past time for action now and results need to follow", said the CDU politician. He believes collaboration with the Islamic Taliban to be acceptable. Stübgen serves as the Chairman of the Interior Ministers Conference, which will tackle migration policy during its upcoming meeting in Potsdam.
Following the fatal knife attack in Mannheim, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD declared that the deportation of serious criminals to Afghanistan and Syria would be feasible again. His party associate, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, is currently assessing this.
Stübgen stated that the German government must now take action and develop diplomatic relations with Syria to allow the deportation of serious offenders. An embassy could be established there. Some European countries have already established diplomatic ties with Damascus. "And it's been known for quite a while now that there is no war in the core of Syria anymore." Although Syria isn't a law-abiding state, there are order structures in place. Stübgen added: "It doesn't mean anything that we start sending serious offenders and repeat offenders back there, just as Sweden does now." The security situation there has improved.
The subsidiary protection for individuals from Syria, which has been in effect since the start of the Syrian conflict, must be revised according to the CDU politician. Subsidiary protection applies to individuals who are not recognized as refugees but have credible reasons to fear serious harm or human rights violations if they return to their country of origin.
Stübgen sees no problems with negotiations with the Taliban about the deportation of serious criminals in Afghanistan. He said that negotiations with the Taliban are already taking place, "and that's about certain people being allowed to leave Afghanistan". In addition, there are international aid programs for the population, such as food aid. "That means there are numerous contacts. And these contacts, that's my demand, can also be used to return serious offenders." It will primarily concern individual cases. Since the Taliban's reclaiming of power in Kabul in August 2021, there is a deportation ban for Afghans in Germany.
Stübgen believes standard procedures should be followed when it comes to withdrawal agreements. "That's normal negotiation practice." In response to the question of whether one would push a criminal system, he said: "Then we could practically stop almost any economic aid we provide. The Development Ministry doesn't only handle poor countries, but also highly corrupt ones." The aid has not yet reached only those people who need it most.
Critics caution against negotiations with the Islamist Taliban, as they may not be recognized and the money could then fund the construction of terrorist networks in Germany. According to the Development Ministry, humanitarian aid for Afghanistan is being provided through it. The Ministry itself, however, does not engage in talks with the Taliban and does not make financial promises.
Read also:
- Despite concerns about oppressive regimes in Afghanistan and Syria, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen suggests that Germany should engage in serious dialogues with these countries regarding the deportation of hardcore criminals.
- In light of the improved security situation in Syria, Stübgen proposes establishing an embassy in Damascus to facilitate the deportation of serious offenders, following the lead of some European countries.
- In the context of negotiations with the Taliban, Stübgen advocates for a focused approach on individual cases involving the return of serious offenders in Afghanistan, acknowledging that such discussions are already underway.
- Critics warn against engaging with the Taliban, fearing potential funding for terrorist networks in Germany, but Stübgen argues that standard procedures should be followed for withdrawal agreements, and the aid provided to Afghanistan is not primarily intended for the criminal system.
