Berlin is facing increasing pressure to adopt a stricter stance on migration following a recent fatal stabbing attack carried out by an asylum seeker. In response, Germany has resumed deporting convicted Afghan criminals to their home country, reversing its previous policy. The first flight took off on Friday morning from Leipzig to Kabul, carrying 28 convicted criminals after months of negotiations facilitated by Qatar. While the specific offenses of the deportees have not been disclosed, the government expressed gratitude to regional partners for their support and hinted at more deportations in the future.
The need for a tougher migration policy was highlighted by recent violent incidents, including an ISIS-linked mass stabbing and the fatal stabbing of a German police officer. The suspect in the mass stabbing was identified as a Syrian national who had evaded deportation to Bulgaria in the past. Germany had halted deportations to Afghanistan after the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021 but is now considering deporting Afghan migrants deemed a security threat.
Concerns have been raised about negotiating with the Taliban, especially given their international sanctions. As regional elections approach in Saxony and Thuringia, the anti-immigration Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is expected to make gains, posing a challenge to the current coalition government. In response, the government has announced stricter asylum and residency laws, including measures to facilitate deportations of individuals involved in criminal activities.
Additionally, gun regulations will be tightened, with bans on switchblades and knives at public events. Law enforcement will be granted new powers to combat violent extremism, including the use of biometric data for facial recognition. The government also plans to enhance the domestic intelligence agency’s capabilities to investigate financial activities and continue banning Islamist organizations. These measures aim to address security concerns and uphold law and order in the country. Please rephrase.
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