German Government Continues Deportations of Convicted Offenders to Syria
The German federal government has proceeded with another deportation of a convicted individual to Syria, marking the fourth such action since the resumption of returns to the country in late 2025. According to official sources, a 29-year-old man was transferred directly from a correctional facility in Baden-Württemberg to the airport and subsequently flown to Damascus on a scheduled flight.
The individual had received a multi-year prison sentence for repeated violations related to narcotics offenses. Authorities in Baden-Württemberg confirmed that the decision to deport followed the completion of legal proceedings and served as part of the government's evolving stance on deportations to Syria.
Deportations to Syria had been suspended since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, due to concerns over safety and human rights conditions. However, the political landscape shifted following the removal of longstanding ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. This change prompted German officials to revise the deportation policy, now permitting returns to Syria for individuals convicted of criminal offenses.
German federal officials have stated that the current policy limits deportations strictly to those with criminal convictions, emphasizing public order and safety as primary drivers. The Ministry of the Interior highlighted the importance of consistent enforcement of deportation laws to maintain security and provide clear legal guidance within the country.
Despite the new approach, the security situation in Syria remains volatile, particularly in the north and east. Recent reports indicate ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish militias, most notably the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have been pushed out of several districts in Aleppo and surrounding areas. These confrontations have contributed to heightened instability in regions previously under Kurdish control.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation have encountered setbacks. A ceasefire was recently announced, but Kurdish authorities report that hostilities continue in certain areas. The ongoing conflict is rooted in plans to integrate Kurdish factions into the national Syrian army, a move met with resistance over concerns about potential loss of autonomy and fears of reprisals under the current Islamist-led government.
In addition to the fighting between government troops and Kurdish forces, Syria has also experienced sectarian violence in recent months. Last summer, clashes erupted between members of the Druze religious minority and Sunni Bedouin communities, resulting in hundreds of casualties. Investigations suggest involvement by government troops in the violence, with reports of serious offenses committed against both groups.
Amid these developments, Syrian President Ahmad al-Scharaa postponed a planned visit to Berlin due to the escalation of violence at home, underscoring the fragile security environment. German authorities have reiterated that safety assessments remain a critical component of all deportation decisions, with each case subject to thorough review based on current conditions in Syria.
The evolving deportation policy has sparked debate within Germany, with advocacy groups and legal experts calling for ongoing scrutiny of Syria's humanitarian situation. Organizations monitoring the region continue to report risks faced by returnees, even those convicted of crimes, due to the unpredictable and often perilous security landscape.
As the federal government maintains its revised approach, future deportations to Syria are likely to remain confined to individuals with substantial criminal records, while ongoing developments in Syria will continue to influence German policy decisions.