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Germany faces mounting criticism over alleged IEA coordination
However, the investigations allege that not only convicted individuals but also some single Afghan men without criminal records may have been targeted, intensifying criticism.
Germany’s deportation of Afghan nationals is drawing growing scrutiny following reports of closer-than-acknowledged coordination with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
An investigation by Germany’s public-serve TV broadcaster ZDF and its program ZDF Magazin Royale found that deportations were facilitated through multiple meetings between German officials and IEA representatives.
These reportedly took place at the Bonn office of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, with a parallel probe by another Germany media company Norddeutscher Rundfunk confirming the contacts.
According to the reports, Afghan nationals were presented to IEA-linked officials to prepare deportation documents. Footage captured in April showed individuals identified as consular representatives leaving BAMF premises after meetings tied to deportation planning. German authorities described the interactions as “federal police measures,” insisting contacts remain technical and do not amount to formal recognition of the IEA.
The deportations form part of a broader tightening of migration policy. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has defended the removals, particularly of convicted offenders, as a “crucial element” of enforcement. In recent months, Germany has carried out several deportations, including direct flights to Kabul and charter removals of Afghan men convicted of crimes.
However, the investigations allege that not only convicted individuals but also some single Afghan men without criminal records may have been targeted, intensifying criticism.
Human rights groups warn that deportations to Afghanistan could breach international law.
More than 250 NGOs have accused Berlin of failing to uphold protection commitments, while legal advocates caution that deportations may be carried out without adequate individual assessments.
The issue reflects a wider European dilemma. Several countries, including Austria, Greece, and the Netherlands, are exploring external arrangements such as “return hubs” to manage deportations. At the same time, EU engagement with IEA authorities — including recent visits to Kabul — has fueled concern among lawmakers that coordination could lend the group greater legitimacy.
Despite the criticism, Berlin has signaled it will continue deportations as part of a stricter migration approach, even as debate intensifies over the legal, ethical, and political implications of returning Afghans to Afghanistan.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has congratulated the people of the country on the 107th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence, saying in a statement that the country’s independence was achieved through the struggles and sacrifices of Afghans against British influence.
The statement says that 107 years ago, Afghans, through a “jihadist struggle,” forced Britain to recognize Afghanistan’s independence and return control over the country’s foreign policy to Afghans. Afghanistan gained its independence from Britain in 1919 during the reign of King Amanullah Khan.
The Islamic Emirate also said that Afghans later fought against the Soviet Union and the United States and achieved victories.
The statement stressed that defeating three major powers over the course of a century was the result of divine support and the “faith, determination and courage” of the Afghan people.
The Islamic Emirate called on Afghanistan’s younger and future generations to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and stand firmly against any form of aggression and occupation.
The statement also said that this year’s Independence Day, observed on August 19, comes just four days after the fifth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate’s return to power was marked.
The Embassy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Malaysia on Tuesday held a ceremony to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate’s return to power. The event was attended by Malaysian government officials and diplomats, religious scholars, members of royal families, representatives of international and Islamic organizations, Afghan traders and Afghans living in Malaysia.
Naqibullah Ahmadi, the acting head of the embassy, described the anniversary as the result of the courage and sacrifices of the Afghan people and highlighted progress over the past five years in security, stability, economic growth, infrastructure and public services.
He emphasized balanced engagement with the international community and called for expanded cooperation between Afghanistan and Malaysia in trade, transit, agriculture, mining and investment.
Meanwhile, Dato’ Ahmad Azam Abdul Rahman, Special Adviser to Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, congratulated Afghanistan on the fifth anniversary of the victory and emphasized the continuation of relations between the two countries.
He expressed Malaysia’s readiness to share its experience in Islamic banking, halal certification, public health, agriculture, mining and good governance.
The ceremony also featured a video presentation highlighting developments in Afghanistan over the past five years. The event concluded with prayers for lasting peace, prosperity and national unity in Afghanistan.
Panjshir’s media office says that Mirdif Al-Qashouti, Qatar’s ambassador to Afghanistan, has visited Panjshir for the first time, following efforts by the provincial administration to attract investment and development projects.
Mohammad Agha Hakim, the governor of Panjshir, described relations between Afghanistan and Qatar as important during his meeting with the Qatari ambassador and called for increased investment by Islamic countries and Arab businessmen in the province.
Highlighting Panjshir’s potential in horticulture, agriculture and mining, he said apples, cherries, grapes and walnuts are among the province’s key products and that investment opportunities are available in these sectors. According to him, mining operations are currently underway at around 600 mines, while around 2,000 additional mines have been identified.
The Qatari ambassador described Afghanistan as a brotherly country and a longstanding friend of Qatar and reaffirmed his country’s support for Afghanistan. He said Qatar is committed to implementing various projects in Panjshir and plans to invest in establishing companies to process the province’s fresh and dried fruits.
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