Berlin, May 16 – A group of civil and human rights activists gathered yesterday, Friday, May 15, in front of the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in Berlin. The demonstration aimed to demand an immediate halt to the expulsion of Afghan refugees and to call on the German government to cease all cooperation and interaction with the Taliban administration.
Activists Condemn Cooperation with Taliban
Protesters chanted slogans such as “No cooperation with the Taliban,” underscoring their belief that Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is not a safe country for refugees to return to. According to the activists, continuing the expulsions could severely endanger the lives and security of Afghan citizens, particularly civil and human rights activists. They emphasized that human rights should not be sacrificed for migration policies.
Concerns Over Taliban Presence in German Offices
This demonstration follows a report by Germany’s ZDF television, which revealed that representatives of the Taliban had reportedly been present at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in Bonn. These representatives were reportedly involved in the identification process for individuals to be deported to Afghanistan and in the preparation of travel documents.
The report indicated that during some deportations to Afghanistan, the regular presence of a Taliban representative at the office has been documented. This revelation has sparked significant concern among refugees and human rights organizations, who fear it legitimizes the Taliban administration and could have serious implications for the safety of deportees.
German Interior Ministry Responds to Allegations
In response to these concerns, the German Interior Ministry issued a statement clarifying that conducting interviews within the migration office does not equate to establishing an official representation for the Taliban within the agency. The ministry further stated that the part of the building used for these interviews is separated from public areas and is considered appropriate for such procedures.
The protest highlights growing tensions and ethical dilemmas surrounding Germany’s migration policies concerning Afghanistan, as civil society groups continue to advocate for the protection and safety of Afghan refugees amidst the ongoing political instability in their home country.
Source: https://atlaspress.news/en/2026/05/16/protest-berlin-taliban-role-afghan-refugee-expulsions/
