Relatives demand withdrawal: German IS prisoners in mortal danger!

Relatives demand withdrawal: German IS prisoners in mortal danger!

It is bubbling in the shadow of the warlike arguments in Syria: Relatives of ten alleged IS prisoners from Germany vehemently require their return home. In an urgent open letter to the Federal Chancellery, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Foreign Office, the "absolutely catastrophic" conditions of detention in the prisons in northeastern Syria are pointed out, which reports torture and humiliation. These serious allegations were not only made by the relatives, but also by scientists, journalists and international organizations, including the UN.

The Federal Foreign Office is particularly alarming that at least two German IS prisoners have died since 2022, including a man who suffered from tuberculosis. The circumstances of the detention are unacceptable for relatives, since they have not received any news from their missing person for years. "Food draft and blows" were mentioned as threats to push family members to pay money. The men concerned, who traveled to Syria between 2013 and 2015, have been in Kurdish captivity since the beginning of 2019, and the federal government has so far only brought back women and children from camp, the return of men is not on the agenda. The relatives that have been under pressure are faced with a hopeless situation.

Five claims to the federal government

The relatives have formulated clear claims to the federal government:

• 1. Provide information about the condition of the men.
• 2. Exert pressure on the international red cross for exchange of mail.
• 3. Enable contacts with lawyers.
• 4. Reduce men in several steps.
• 5. Prepare the federal states for return, law enforcement and reintegration.

In the meantime there are reports about Dirk Pleil, a German prisoner in the Hasaka high security prison, who also wants the return. The man allegedly built prostheses during his time, but never fought. He reports that he receives regular meals and medical care, but suffers from detention from the psychological stress. According to information, around 30 Germans under a total of 11,000 IS supporters in Northeast Syria are detained together with him. The IS was, one may not forget it, not only active in Syria, but also committed attacks in Germany.

prospects and challenges

The critical voices are increasing: security experts warn of a possible resolution of IS, especially if these prisoners should return without strict requirements. Kurdish self -government pleads for the return, but wants to put the men to court.

Another focus is the al-Holz camp, where thousands of women and children are recorded as relatives of IS members. While Syrian citizens are allowed to leave the camp, international fighters and their relatives are excluded from the return. The situation in the warehouse is terrifying: lack of food, water and medical care urges aid organizations to mark the conditions as intolerable.

In view of these tense situations, the pressure on the German federal government is high. The hope of relatives that their loved ones come home remains unbroken despite the adverse circumstances. They have no choice but to fight for their return.