The new German government, led by Chancellor Merz, introduced a policy to turn away asylum seekers on the German border, but on Monday, June 2, a court ruled the policy illegal and mandated the government to reverse its decision.
“Persons who express the wish to seek asylum while at a border check on German territory may not be sent back,” Berlin’s Administrative Court said in their statement.
The ruling came in response to the case of three Somali migrants who were stopped at the German border, denied entry, and sent back to Poland—even after asking for asylum. They appealed the decision.
The policy was introduced shortly after Merz took office, as part of his effort to reduce immigration. He aimed to undercut the appeal of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been gaining support with its tough stance on illegal immigration.
