Amid Syria's shifting political landscape, former Assad regime soldier Ahmed Masry, seeking asylum in the Netherlands, fears deportation to a country where defectors face deadly consequences. As Europe tightens immigration policies, tens of thousands of Syrian asylum claims remain in limbo.
Amid Syria's shifting political landscape, former Assad regime soldier Ahmed Masry, seeking asylum in the Netherlands, fears deportation to a country where defectors face deadly consequences. As Europe tightens immigration policies, tens of thousands of Syrian asylum claims remain in limbo.
Having fled Syria in 2017 and arrived in the Netherlands in 2023, Masry is studying English while awaiting news on his asylum status. “They execute people who worked with the ex-regime,” Masry said, adding, “If I go back, maybe they will kill me. There’s a big chance they will kill me... We deal with barbaric people.”
Masry also criticizes far-right figures who claim Syria is safe, suggesting they experience the situation firsthand. “Who will decide Syria is a safe country?” he asked. “I will advise, suppose, suggest Geert Wilders to go to Syria. Then you can decide if Syria is safe or not.”
Last week, the Dutch government, along with several European countries, suspended asylum applications from Syrians after rebels seized the capital and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia.
This decision impacts tens of thousands of pending claims and reflects Europe’s shifting stance on immigration, influenced by the rise of right-wing parties. Far-right leader Geert Wilders has called for Syrians to be sent back, further complicating Masry’s hopes for asylum and a work permit.
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A shooting at a shopping centre in County Carlow has left one man dead and a child injured, prompting a major emergency response.
Israel’s military chief has ordered an expansion of the Gaza ground offensive amid growing warnings of famine and international criticism over aid restrictions.
Demonstrators marched in Mexico City against a historic vote to elect judges, with critics warning the move could weaken judicial independence and empower political or criminal interests.
An attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall has left multiple victims, with authorities treating the incident as a targeted act of terror.
A shooting at a shopping centre in County Carlow has left one man dead and a child injured, prompting a major emergency response.
Israel’s military chief has ordered an expansion of the Gaza ground offensive amid growing warnings of famine and international criticism over aid restrictions.
Demonstrators marched in Mexico City against a historic vote to elect judges, with critics warning the move could weaken judicial independence and empower political or criminal interests.
An attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall has left multiple victims, with authorities treating the incident as a targeted act of terror.
Exit polls show a razor-thin lead for liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski, with official results expected Monday in Poland’s too-close-to-call presidential race.
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