Former German FM Calls For Negotiations With Taliban On Deported Afghan Migrants

Sigmar Gabriel, former German Foreign Minister, has urged the German government to negotiate with the Taliban regarding the deportation of criminal Afghan migrants.

On Sunday, Gabriel wrote in an article for Bild newspaper that Germany should secure guarantees from the Taliban that deported refugees will not be tortured or killed.

Following an attack by an Afghan refugee in Mannheim, which resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to five others, the German Chancellor stated that dangerous criminals and terrorists have no place in Germany.

Gabriel emphasised that negotiations with the Taliban are necessary to make the deportation of criminals to Afghanistan mandatory. He suggested providing economic aid to countries in exchange for accepting deported refugees.

Previously, the Taliban's Foreign Ministry had expressed readiness to negotiate with Germany regarding the deportation of refugees. The ministry stated that refugees should not be deported to regional countries.

Some German politicians, considering the Taliban's control in Afghanistan and the lack of diplomatic relations with Kabul, have called for discussions with regional countries, including Pakistan, about the deportation of Afghan refugees.

Gabriel also highlighted that an alliance has emerged between anti-Semitic neo-Nazis and anti-freedom and anti-democracy Islamists that must be confronted. He noted that the German Chancellor has a significant opportunity to break the existing taboo and legally facilitate the deportation of dangerous criminals from Germany.

Due to laws and humanitarian considerations, the German government cannot deport rejected asylum seekers accused of crimes. However, right-wing parties argue that these refugees should be deported under any circumstances.

Currently, the deportation of Afghan refugees from Germany, even those who have committed crimes, has been halted due to the Taliban's rule. Some political factions in Germany have expressed concern that any negotiations and dialogue with the Taliban would legitimise the group.