INTERNATIONAL — April 23, 2026
Poland Deports Three Afghan Nationals Despite European Court Order
Poland has deported three Afghan nationals to Kabul despite an interim European Court of Human Rights order halting the removal, drawing criticism from legal experts over asylum rights violations. The incident occurs as the EU explores coordination with Taliban authorities on migrant returns.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh — corroborated by Khaama Press — 2 min read

Polish authorities have deported three Afghan nationals to Kabul, proceeding with the removal despite an interim order from the European Court of Human Rights directing a halt to the process. The deportation occurred as the European Union continues discussions with Taliban authorities regarding the return of Afghan migrants.
According to Polish border guards, the European court's decision did not reach their offices in time to stop the operation. Officials classified the individuals as "undesirable persons" prior to their removal. The deportees were transported on a military aircraft to Uzbekistan before being transferred onward to Afghanistan. Reports indicate the three individuals were part of a larger group of nine initially slated for removal.
Legal advocates and migration experts have criticized the move, stating that the deportation violates international asylum laws and strips the individuals of their right to seek protection. The European Court of Human Rights had issued a temporary suspension specifically to prevent the transfer while legal appeals were pending.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between European migration enforcement and international human rights frameworks. While Polish authorities maintained that procedural delays prevented compliance with the court's interim measure, Hasht-e Subh reported opposition from Poland's Foreign Ministry, whereas Khaama Press stated the ministry merely acknowledged the situation. The deportation also takes place amid broader European Union efforts to coordinate migrant return policies with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.
Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh →
Reliability assessment
Two independent outlets corroborate the core event based on Polish media reports, official border guard statements, and legal expert analysis. Minor discrepancies exist regarding the transit route (Uzbekistan mentioned only in one source), the precise stance of Poland's Foreign Ministry, and the total group size, but these do not undermine the verified core fact of the deportation occurring despite the ECHR order.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
Poland has deported three Afghan nationals to Kabul despite an interim ruling by the European Court of Human Rights ordering a halt to their removal.
- Caught in Limbo: Afghan Asylum Seekers in Polandfactrefuge.com
Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty in his letter to the Polish government expressed his concerns about the suspension, as he wrote: “In this regard, I note information about the recent removal of a group of Afghan nationals from Poland to Afghanistan, who were not provided with an opportunity to lodge asylum applications.”
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Poland deported three Afghan citizens to Kabul.
- The deportation proceeded despite an ECHR interim order to stop it.
- Border authorities claimed the court's decision arrived too late.
- The individuals were designated as 'undesirable persons'.
- Legal experts argue the action breaches international law and asylum rights.
- The EU is in discussions with Taliban authorities regarding migrant returns.
Where reports differ
- Transit route: Khaama Press specifies a military flight to Uzbekistan first, while Hasht-e Subh does not mention the transit country.
- MoFA stance: Hasht-e Subh reports the deportation occurred despite opposition from Poland's Foreign Ministry, whereas Khaama Press states the ministry merely 'acknowledged the situation'.
- Group size: Hasht-e Subh notes the three were part of a larger group of nine, while Khaama Press only references the three deported.
Filed by 2 outlets
Hasht-e Subh
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Poland, European Court of Human Rights, Afghan Deportations, European Union, Taliban
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