After celebrating the terrorist organization Hamas on social media, a man reportedly lost his German passport. The Berlin State Immigration Office (Lea) does this naturalization Syrian citizens, as the German Press Agency learned from security circles. “Bild” and “BZ” previously reported. The state office did not comment on the case upon request, citing “data protection considerations”.
According to media reports, the young man, who came to Berlin at preschool age and grew up here, posted a photo of two terrorist militia fighters on Instagram the day after his naturalization. Hamas posted with the Palestinian flag. The words “Heroes of Palestine” are marked with a green heart. According to the newspaper, the man was noticed by police several times during pro-Palestinian demonstrations following the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.
When asked about the case, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) said: “I firmly support it.” When it comes to Hamas supporters, it is clear that they do not subscribe to the German value system. In similar cases of dual nationals, “if we identify them,” the same measures should be taken, he said at a meeting of the Federal Criminal Police Office in Wiesbaden.
Authorities assumed fraud
According to DPA information, the State Immigration Office was informed about the case by security authorities – and felt they were being cheated. Since June 2024, new naturalization regulations have been in effect in Germany, requiring those affected to make a statement that they are committed to the basic order of free democracy and the protection of Jewish life. The man is said to have explained this too – but then stopped Instagram who paid tribute to Hamas.
From the perspective of immigration authorities, this is a criminal act of fraud. The man was given instructions and given four weeks to respond, but did not respond. Now the notice is being sent to his lawyer, which means his naturalization will be revoked.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) praised the government for its consistent approach. “Commitment to a free and democratic basic order upon naturalization is not a formality for us. Anyone who believes they can be cheated here can reassure themselves of the consistent actions taken by the Berlin authorities,” he wrote on the online platform X.
Authorities had to confiscate passports
The person concerned can still submit an objection to the decision. The Senate Home Affairs Administration must then examine the case. If this confirms that naturalization has been revoked, the person can go to the Berlin Administrative Court and sue.
If the immigration authorities’ decision is final, the man is no longer a German citizen. The responsible district office must confiscate the passport and change the information at the registration office. After his German citizenship was revoked, questions arose as to whether the man could stay in Germany. When making a decision on this matter, factors that come into play include, the man’s specific living conditions and whether he grew up here.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251119-930-314320/2
