Relatives demand repatriation: German IS prisoners in mortal danger!

Relatives demand repatriation: German IS prisoners in mortal danger!

Things are simmering in the shadow of the armed conflict in Syria: relatives of ten suspected IS prisoners from Germany are vehemently demanding that they be returned home. An urgent open letter to the Federal Chancellery, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Foreign Office draws attention to the “absolutely catastrophic” conditions in prisons in northeastern Syria, which reportedly include torture and humiliation. These serious allegations were made not only by relatives, but also by scientists, journalists and international organizations, including the UN.

Particularly alarming is the Foreign Office's confirmation 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 the relatives, as they have not received any news of their missing persons for years. “Deprivation of food and beatings” were cited as threats to force family members to pay money. The men affected, 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 camps; the return of men is not on the agenda. This means that the relatives who have come under pressure are faced with a hopeless situation.

Five demands on the federal government

The relatives have formulated clear demands on the federal government:

• 1. Informationen über den Zustand der Männer bereitstellen.
• 2. Druck auf das Internationale Rote Kreuz ausüben für Briefaustausch.
• 3. Kontakte zu Anwälten ermöglichen.
• 4. Rückführung der Männer in mehreren Schritten durchführen.
• 5. Bundesländer auf Rückkehr, Strafverfolgung und Reintegration vorbereiten.

There are now reports about Dirk Pleil, a German prisoner in the high-security Hasakah prison, who also wants to return. The man allegedly built prosthetic limbs during his time with IS, but never fought. He reports that he receives regular meals and medical care, but suffers from the psychological stress of imprisonment. According to information, around 30 Germans are in custody with him among a total of 11,000 IS supporters in northeast Syria. It should not be forgotten that IS was not only active in Syria, but also carried out attacks in Germany.

Prospects and challenges

Critical voices are increasing: security experts warn of a possible resurgence of IS, especially if these prisoners return without strict conditions. The Kurdish self-administration advocates repatriation, but wants to bring the men to justice.

Another hotspot is the Al-Hol camp, where thousands of women and children are being held as relatives of IS members. While Syrian nationals are allowed to leave the camp, international fighters and their relatives are excluded from repatriation. The conditions in the camp are appalling: lack of food, water and medical care is forcing aid organizations to label the conditions as intolerable.

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