Court in Germany denies return for deported Yazidi family
The Potsdam Administrative Court has rejected an emergency application by a Yazidi family seeking reentry to Germany following their deportation to Iraq. The court ruled the deportation lawful, concluding there were no valid reasons to overturn it, based on a prior March 2023 decision by Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) that deemed the family’s protection claim "manifestly unfounded"[1][3].
The controversy surrounding this decision stems from several factors. The Yazidi community suffered a genocide by the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq, a fact formally recognised by the German Bundestag in 2023. Many Yazidis and supporters argue that deporting survivors to Iraq exposes them to continued risks of persecution or harm due to instability and ongoing threats from IS militants in some regions[2][5].
The family in question had lived in Lychen, Brandenburg, for years, with their children integrated into local schools. However, their deportation was part of a charter flight carrying 43 people from Leipzig to Baghdad[4]. Initially, authorities claimed only single men were on board, some with criminal records. However, it was later revealed that the family were among the deportees[1].
The BAMF continues to defend its decision, citing the family's failed asylum claim and the lack of recognized danger in Iraq under current assessments[3]. The court found no significant individual threat, such as persecution by IS, nor sufficient evidence of current group persecution of Yazidis[1].
Advocacy groups such as Nadia's Initiative condemn the deportation as illegal and harmful, highlighting the family's integration in Germany[4]. They argue that many Yazidis still cannot return safely due to destroyed villages, insecurity, and the presence of IS remnants[2][5].
Politicians from the center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens, and the socialist Left Party have joined calls for the family's return[1]. Brandenburg's Interior Minister Rene Wilke has expressed concern about the situation and asked federal authorities to work on bringing the family back if the court ruling in their favor remains valid[5].
The case has reignited debate over how German asylum policy should treat communities affected by mass atrocities, especially when legal rulings and humanitarian considerations appear to clash[5]. Advocacy groups warn that other Yazidi families in Germany face similar removal orders, causing fear in the community[2].
References:
[1] The Local [2] Reuters [3] BAMF [4] Nadia's Initiative [5] Tagesspiegel
The Yazidi community, victims of genocide by the Islamic State in Iraq, face potential risks of persecution or harm upon deportation to Iraq, as argued by advocates and some political parties. The Potsdam Administrative Court's decision to uphold the family's deportation has sparked controversy, with critics claiming it is harmful and illegal. The case is a topic of ongoing debate in the world of general news, politics, and crime and justice, questioning Germany's asylum policy for communities affected by mass atrocities. Advocacy groups like Nadia's Initiative are concerned about other Yazidi families facing similar deportation orders.
