ECHR Lifts Injunction, Allowing Austria to Deport 19-Year-Old Syrian Man

European Court of Human Rights Greenlights Deportation

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) announced on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, its decision to lift an injunction, thereby permitting Austria to deport a 19-year-old Syrian man. This ruling follows a temporary halt imposed by the court in August under an urgent 'interim measure'. The ECHR concluded that it was not proven the man would face a 'real and imminent risk of irreparable harm' or a specific risk to his rights under Article 2 (right to life) and Article 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment) if returned to Syria.

Background of the Case and Austrian Stance

The Syrian national, who arrived in Austria in October 2022 from the Hasaka governorate in northeastern Syria, had his asylum application rejected in 2024. He was subsequently convicted in 2024 and 2025 of crimes including shoplifting and unarmed robbery. Austrian authorities, including the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum, have consistently maintained that the man could 'safely travel' back to his home area, citing assurances from Syrian authorities and arguing that his region is not experiencing armed conflict.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner welcomed the ECHR's decision, stating that Austria would continue its 'strict asylum policy' and plans for further deportations of convicted criminals to Syria and Afghanistan. The ministry had previously described the ECHR's interim measures as 'normal procedure' and 'nothing unusual', emphasizing that preparations for deportations would continue.

Human Rights Concerns and Precedent

The ECHR's decision has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations. Amnesty International Austria expressed regret over the ruling, highlighting ample evidence that the security situation in Syria remains very unstable and that serious human rights violations are a threat on the ground. Concerns have been amplified by the case of another Syrian man, aged 32, who was deported from Austria in July 2025 and has been missing since his return, prompting the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances to request investigations into his whereabouts.

Critics argue that the ECHR's decision could set a precedent for other European Union member states, with some, including Germany, already expressing intentions to follow Austria's lead in deporting Syrian nationals with criminal convictions. Human rights groups warn that such actions undermine international protection standards and the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face threats to life or freedom.