Austria Deports Convicted Afghan National in Landmark Move, Signaling Tougher Stance

First Deportation to Afghanistan Since Taliban Takeover

Austria has recently deported a 31-year-old Afghan national convicted of serious crimes, marking the first such return to Afghanistan since the Taliban assumed control in 2021. The individual, who had served a four-year prison sentence for rape and grievous bodily harm, was flown to Kabul via Istanbul on Tuesday, accompanied by Austrian police officers. This action underscores a tougher approach by Austria to its deportation policy for convicted criminals.

Government Vows 'Zero Tolerance'

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) confirmed the deportation, stating, 'We announced the deportation of convicted criminals to Afghanistan, and now we are implementing these deportations.' He added that Austria would 'continue to pursue this tough but necessary course of action,' with further deportations of convicted criminals to Afghanistan already being prepared. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a 'zero tolerance' policy for individuals who have forfeited their right to asylum by committing crimes.

Diplomatic Engagements Paved the Way

To facilitate this deportation, an Austrian delegation traveled to Afghanistan earlier this year for discussions with the Taliban regime. Subsequently, in September, representatives from the Taliban visited Vienna to coordinate the deportation procedures. Media reports indicate that approximately 30 more Afghan nationals are currently slated for deportation. This move follows Austria's recent resumption of deportations to other countries, including the first deportation to Syria from an EU member state in July and the first to Somalia in 20 years in September.

Criticism from Human Rights Groups

The decision has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations and opposition parties. Groups such as Amnesty International and Asylkoordination Austria have voiced concerns, highlighting that Afghanistan remains one of the world's most dangerous countries and that deportees could face mistreatment, torture, or inhumane treatment upon return. Lukas Gahleitner-Gertz, spokesperson for Asylkoordination Austria, expressed deep concern over the lack of monitoring regarding the fate of those returned to Afghanistan or Syria. The Green Party, a part of Austria's governing coalition, also criticized the engagement with Taliban representatives. Despite these concerns, the Austrian government maintains that these expulsions are strictly for individuals convicted of serious offenses.