Darmstadt – Anja Swars, spokesperson for the AfD district association of Darmstadt, is facing criticism for a dismissive comment she made on Facebook regarding the deaths of 15 refugees. The Jusos are now calling for her resignation from the Darmstadt city council.
According to the Jusos, Rodan Zeybek, chairman of Jusos Hessen-Süd, stated that anyone commenting on the deaths of 15 people with the words “Subpar time to travel, Kismet” (fate), has lost all sense of political and human responsibility. Zeybek characterized the comment as a deliberate mockery of people who lost their lives, not a provocation.
The situation is further complicated by Swars’ employment as an anesthesia nurse at the Klinikum Darmstadt. The hospital stated they were deeply affected by the statement and strongly distanced themselves from it, stating it does not reflect the hospital’s values.
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Swars, born in 1964, has previously run as a candidate for the state and federal parliaments. She is currently on the AfD list at position two for the upcoming local elections on March 15th. Swars reportedly “regrets” the comment and deleted it, citing “enormous stress” due to repeated attacks and insults, including paint attacks on her home in February.
City council chairman Yücel Akdeniz rebuked Swars’ statement during a recent city council meeting, calling it “heartless, pathetic, and inhumane.” He emphasized that the mandate of a city councilor is an honor and requires adherence to the constitution, specifically Article 1, which guarantees human dignity.
The Facebook post containing Swars’ comment received a large number of responses, with many of the nearly 500 comments expressing approval of the actions of the Greek Coast Guard, which may have contributed to the deaths. Numerous comments were described as inhumane.
The charity LeaveNoOneBehind had previously posted on Facebook about the collision of a refugee boat with a Greek Coast Guard vessel, resulting in 15 deaths and 25 injuries, including children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the criticism of Anja Swars?
Anja Swars faced criticism for a Facebook comment in which she responded to news of 15 refugee deaths with the words “Bad time to travel, Kismet.”
What is the Klinikum Darmstadt’s response to Swars’ comment?
The Klinikum Darmstadt stated they were deeply affected by the comment and strongly distanced themselves from it, saying it does not reflect the hospital’s values.
What action have the Jusos called for?
The Jusos are calling for Anja Swars to resign from her position on the Darmstadt city council.
How will this situation impact the upcoming Kommunalwahl on March 15th?
