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Civil society organizations representing the Moroccan community in Germany have strongly condemned remarks made by Member of Parliament Martin Sechert of the far-right “Alternative for Germany” party, in which he leveled malicious accusations against the Moroccan diaspora in Germany during a discussion on cannabis legalization he connected to Moroccans, unemployment and crime.
During a session of the German Bundestag, the far-right MP, known for his anti-Muslim and anti-Arab stances, made derogatory comments against the Moroccan community in Germany, unjustifiably and offensively linking them to crime and unemployment.
Sichert claimed that the so-called “Mocro Mafia,” an organized criminal group from the Netherlands, is predominantly made up of Moroccans. He also suggested that unemployed Moroccans should be deported. These remarks were made during a debate on cannabis legalization, in which Sichert linked the issue to an alleged growing threat to internal security.
According to a statement signed by 13 civil society organizations of the Moroccan community in Germany, the Moroccan community in Germany considered these comments as “an ongoing attempt to incite and fuel racism and sow division within German society.”
The statement emphasized that “For over 60 years, Moroccans have been making valuable contributions to Germany – whether in the economy, science, culture or society. Sichert’s statements ignore this reality and defame an entire community on the basis of false and irresponsible allegations.”
“We are an integral part of the fabric of this society, working in various sectors, from education and healthcare to engineering and services, and we serve as a living example of commitment, integration, and contributing to the building of a shared future.”
The Moroccan community rejected the linking of crime to ethnic or cultural identity, calling this rhetoric dangerous and completely unacceptable.
The statement further noted: “We reject the idea of holding an entire community responsible for issues that require objective analysis and constructive solutions. These accusations only serve narrow political agendas, aiming to spread hatred and tarnish the image of the Moroccan community.”
Sanae Abdi,Member of the German Bundestag, emphasized the importance of German-Moroccan relations, highlighting their foundation in mutual respect and recognition. She noted that Morocco is a key partner on multiple fronts.
“Germany maintains excellent relations with Morocco, benefiting greatly from this partnership. From the immigration of highly skilled professionals to cooperation in renewable energy, our relationship is built on mutual recognition and respect,” Abdi explained.
She cautioned that the AfD’s populist rhetoric could jeopardize this partnership: “With its baseless accusations, the AfD is inciting division, undermining years of diplomatic work, and causing significant harm to Germany.”
The statement continued: “On behalf of ourselves and all individuals in our associations and mosques, we call for legal action against such racist statements and affirm the necessity of confronting all forms of racist rhetoric that threaten the values of coexistence and pluralism that characterize German society.”
The organizations signing the statement called on the German government and all political forces to intensify efforts to combat hatred and racism, and to recognize the positive role played by the Moroccan community and all immigrant communities in building a cohesive, multicultural society.
Martin Sechert, a member of the Bundestag from the far-right “Alternative for Germany” party, previously sparked widespread controversy with a statement calling for a ban on Muslim doctors and drivers working while fasting.
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