Afghan Who Spied on Jews, Threatened Blogger Allowed to Stay
A 22-year-old Afghan migrant with a history of death threats and sexual offenses allegedly surveilled a Cologne synagogue and discussed obtaining a firearm, reports say.
The Afghan national reportedly filmed the synagogue on Roonstrasse and the Jewish community center with his mobile phone approximately two weeks ago. He is also alleged to have discussed obtaining a firearm in an online chat. State security authorities had classified him as an “Islamism” review case, according to reports.
Death Threat Against Islam-Critical Writer
The current suspicions are linked to an earlier case dating back to 2021. At that time, the Afghan allegedly downloaded images and videos from Islamist sources via social networks and followed extremist profiles. In June 2021, he threatened Amed Sherwan, an Iraqi-born writer and Islam-critical activist. The threat was reportedly accompanied by a photomontage showing the author’s severed head.
In May 2022, the then 17-year-old faced charges at Cologne District Court. The verdict stated that the accused intended to threaten the victim with decapitation and murder. His sentence consisted of four sessions in the “Wegweiser” prevention program run by the Cologne Workers’ Welfare Association.
Pattern of Sexual Offenses
The migrant has also come to police attention for sexual crimes. In August 2024, he allegedly harassed a female classmate and groped her intimate area. One day later, he reportedly forced another acquaintance to perform sexual acts after school. Cologne District Court issued a warning in November 2025 and ordered him to undergo therapy with Caritas.
Prosecutors are additionally investigating him for severe sexual abuse. He allegedly forced a minor to perform oral sex on him and an acquaintance while being filmed. Despite these charges, the Afghan remained in Germany.
Family’s Protected Status as Former Local Staff
The reason for his continued residence appears to be his eight-member family’s special residency status. The family arrived in Germany eleven years ago after the father, a pharmacist, served as a local informant supporting German forces in Afghanistan. According to current information, authorities are now attempting to deport the 22-year-old.
With information from Junge Freiheit
