German Authorities Revoke Citizenship of Newly Naturalized Man Following Pro-Hamas Post
Berlin – German authorities have revoked the citizenship of a man recently naturalized after he publicly expressed support for Hamas fighters on social media,raising questions about the vetting process for new citizens and the government’s commitment to combating antisemitism. The case highlights a growing concern over potential security risks associated with naturalization and underscores the legal mechanisms in place to reverse the process under specific circumstances.
Just one day after receiving German citizenship, the individual posted an image on Instagram depicting two Hamas militants alongside a Palestinian flag, captioning it “Heros of Palestine” with a green heart emoji. He had also reportedly participated in multiple anti-Israel demonstrations following the October 7, 2023 attacks, and was previously escorted by police from those events. These actions prompted authorities to reassess his commitment to the principles required for naturalization.
According to Germany’s Citizenship Act (paragraph 11), applicants undergo rigorous screening by agencies like the Verfassungsschutz (domestic intelligence service) to determine if they have a criminal record and affirm allegiance to Germany’s free democratic basic order and the protection of Jewish life. A declaration of loyalty is also required. Officials now believe the man’s actions constitute a false statement in his request.
German law, revised in 2009 and amended in 2019, allows for the revocation of naturalization if obtained through deception.The timeframe for revocation was extended from five to ten years in 2019. The Federal Office of Governance reports 1,228 cases of revoked citizenship since 2015, as of September 24, 2025.
Beyond expressing support for terrorist organizations, other grounds for revoking citizenship include concealing criminal proceedings, submitting falsified language certificates, engaging in fraudulent behavior, bribery, or making threats. The case serves as a stark reminder of the conditions under which naturalization can be reversed and the ongoing scrutiny faced by new citizens.
