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.
Swars’ comment, described as “Schlechte Zeit zum Reisen, Kismet” (fate), was made in response to news of 15 refugees who drowned. Rodan Zeybek, chairman of the Jusos Hessen-Süd, stated that the comment demonstrated a loss of “all measure of political and human responsibility” and was not a spontaneous reaction but a deliberate mockery of those who lost their lives.
The situation is further complicated by Swars’ employment as an anesthesia nurse at the Klinikum Darmstadt. The hospital stated that they were deeply affected by the statement and unequivocally distanced themselves from it, stating it was incompatible with their guiding principles.
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Swars, born in 1964, has previously run as a candidate for the Landtag, and Bundestag. She is listed second on the AfD’s list for the upcoming local elections on March 15th. She reportedly “regretted” the comment and deleted it, citing “enormous stress” due to previous incidents of vandalism and abuse directed at her home.
City council chairman Yücel Akdeniz publicly reprimanded Swars during a recent city council meeting, calling her statement “heartless, pathetic, and inhumane.” He emphasized that her mandate as a city council member carries a responsibility to uphold the constitution, specifically Article 1, which guarantees human dignity.
The comment was one of many similar responses to a Facebook post by the charity LeaveNoOneBehind detailing the deaths of 15 people and injuries to 25 others – including children – in a collision involving a refugee boat and a Greek coast guard vessel. A majority of the nearly 500 comments on the post reportedly approved of the coast guard’s actions, with many being described as “inhumane.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the criticism of Anja Swars?
Anja Swars received criticism for a Facebook comment she made regarding the deaths of 15 refugees, which was described as dismissive and insensitive.
What is the Klinikum Darmstadt’s response to Swars’ comment?
The Klinikum Darmstadt stated that they were deeply affected by Swars’ comment and unequivocally distanced themselves from it, stating it was incompatible with their guiding principles.
What is Swars’ position within the AfD?
Anja Swars is the spokesperson for the AfD district association of Darmstadt and is listed second on the AfD’s list for the upcoming local elections on March 15th.
What further actions might be taken in response to this situation?
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