Polish authorities deported three Afghan nationals to Kabul despite an interim order from the European Court of Human Rights suspending their removal, according to Polish media reports and lawyers involved in the case.
The individuals were first flown on a military plane to Uzbekistan and then transferred onward to Afghanistan, the reports said.
Lawyers for the group said they had notified Poland’s border guard that the court had ordered a halt to the deportations. The removals nevertheless proceeded. Poland’s Foreign Ministry also transmitted the court’s decision through official channels, according to the reports.
Of a group of nine Afghans facing deportation, three were ultimately returned to Kabul. Border officials said the court’s order did not reach them in time, while also noting that the three men had been placed on a list of “undesirable persons.”
The deportations were planned for April 10, when Polish authorities intended to remove the group of nine Afghan nationals.
Defense lawyers described the move as problematic under international law, arguing that ignoring a binding interim measure raises serious legal concerns.
The case comes amid a broader tightening of migration policies across Europe, where several countries have accelerated deportations of Afghan nationals. Some governments have also explored engagement with Taliban to facilitate returns.
Earlier reporting by AFP said the European Union is considering hosting Taliban representatives for discussions on deportations, despite concerns raised by human rights groups and United Nations refugee agencies.
Those discussions would focus on returning Afghans without legal residency in EU countries, including logistical issues such as flights and airport capacity in Kabul, according to diplomatic sources.
According to AFP report, one official said the aim was to hold such talks before the summer with what was described as a “technical” delegation.
