Despite a wave of international criticism, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner reaffirmed his commitment to the policy of deporting Syrians, following the country’s first such deportation since 2011. He emphasized the need to return criminals and dangerous individuals to their countries of origin.
اضافة اعلان
In early July, Austria carried out its first deportation to Syria in about 15 years, sending a 32-year-old man suspected of belonging to ISIS from Vienna to Damascus. This move sparked widespread debate and international attention, as no other European Union country has conducted deportations to Syria since 2011.
The Austrian Interior Ministry confirmed in response to an inquiry from ORF channel that the man was handed over to Syrian authorities. Since then, he has gone completely missing despite attempts to contact him, according to Sebastian Frick from the Refugee Advice Center cited by Ö1 radio.
UN Investigates Disappearance of Syrian Deported by Austria
Following the deportation on July 3, human rights organizations expressed concern that the man might face torture or inhumane treatment in Syria, warning that the case could set a precedent encouraging other European countries to take similar measures.
The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances launched an urgent investigation to locate the deported Syrian and ascertain his fate. It requested Austria to send formal diplomatic notes to Syrian authorities to verify whether the man is alive, determine the conditions and timing of his detention, and obtain diplomatic assurances for his safety and humane treatment, according to Reuters.
Austria Stands Firm on Deportations
Karner, from the Austrian People’s Party, described deportations to Syria as “necessary.” He told Ö1 radio: “If we want credible asylum and migration policies – and we do – criminals and dangerous individuals must be deported.” He called the deportations “completely correct.”
Karner pointed out a change in power in Syria and noted that talks with the Syrian Interior Minister have opened the door for deportations to proceed. He added: “We will continue deportations to Syria and will have to do so.”
When asked about the UN’s stance, Karner insisted that the criticisms are “unrealistic and disconnected from reality.” He said the requested review by the UN is practically impossible. Austria deports about 13,000 people annually, half of them forcibly.
He stressed that “the asylum system can only succeed if it is strict, firm, and fair, with continued implementation of deportations.” While the Foreign Ministry received a letter requesting a review, Karner affirmed that Austria’s deportation policy will not change and that further deportations to Syria are planned.
— Syrian Television
