Controversy Over IS Terrorist's Residency in Brandenburg

Brandenburg - A former IS terrorist, Shaas Al-M., who plotted an attack on the German parliament, remains a resident in the region despite his criminal history. After serving five years in prison for conspiracy to commit terrorism, Al-M. is now living freely in a refugee accommodation in Seelow, Brandenburg. He was convicted in 2017 for planning a terrorist attack, specifically targeting tourist buses near the Reichstag in Berlin.

Al-M., now 28, arrived in Germany in 2015 via the Balkan route, alongside many other Syrian refugees. His background is alarming; he was a child soldier for the Islamic State, participating in combat in his home country. Following his arrival in Germany, Al-M. began to surveil potential targets, including the Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz, sending detailed reports back to associates in Syria.

His activities came to light in March 2016, leading to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. Upon his release, he remained in the local district, raising concerns among local officials about his status as a potential threat.

Gernot Schmidt, the district administrator for the area, expressed his frustration regarding the inability to deport Al-M. back to Syria. Schmidt noted that Al-M. has filed an appeal against the revocation of his refugee status, further complicating any potential deportation efforts. Since 2012, there has been a moratorium on deportations to Syria due to safety concerns.

Schmidt highlighted the issue of local authorities being held responsible for the current situation, criticizing federal leadership for not addressing the underlying problems that allow former IS fighters to remain in Germany. He pointed out the inadequacies in the system that enable individuals with such backgrounds to enter and reside in the country.

Currently, Al-M. is subject to restrictions, including a requirement to report to the police weekly and a ban on leaving his designated residential area. However, Schmidt indicated that these measures are limited, and the situation remains precarious.

The broader implications of this case have sparked a debate about the handling of asylum seekers with ties to extremist groups and the challenges faced by local authorities in managing these cases effectively. The local administration is calling for swift agreements with Syrian authorities to facilitate the return of individuals like Al-M. to their home country, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to national security and immigration policy.