Sigmar Gabriel, the former German Foreign Minister, has urged the German government to initiate negotiations with the Taliban concerning the deportation of Afghan migrants who have committed crimes. In an article for Bild newspaper on Sunday, Gabriel emphasized that Germany should secure assurances from the Taliban to ensure that deported refugees are not tortured or killed upon their return.
This call for dialogue follows a violent incident in Mannheim, where an Afghan refugee attacked and killed a police officer and injured five others. In response, the German Chancellor affirmed that dangerous criminals and terrorists have no place in Germany. Gabriel stressed that to make the deportation of criminal migrants to Afghanistan mandatory, negotiations with the Taliban are essential. He suggested that economic aid could be offered to countries willing to accept deported refugees.
The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry has previously indicated a willingness to discuss the deportation of refugees with Germany, stating that these individuals should not be deported to neighboring countries. Some German politicians, acknowledging the Taliban’s control in Afghanistan and the lack of diplomatic relations with Kabul, have proposed discussions with regional countries, including Pakistan, about the deportation of Afghan refugees.
Gabriel also pointed out the growing alliance between anti-Semitic neo-Nazis and anti-freedom, anti-democracy Islamists, which he believes must be confronted. He noted that the German Chancellor has a significant opportunity to address this issue and legally facilitate the deportation of dangerous criminals from Germany.
Currently, due to laws and humanitarian considerations, the German government cannot deport rejected asylum seekers accused of crimes. However, right-wing parties argue that such refugees should be deported under any circumstances. The deportation of Afghan refugees, even those who have committed crimes, has been halted due to the Taliban’s rule. Some political factions in Germany worry that any negotiations with the Taliban could legitimize the group.