Martin Sichert, a national parliament member (Bundestag member) from the far-right “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) party, has ignited widespread outrage after linking Moroccan immigrants with unemployment and crime, provoking a strong backlash from political leaders and Moroccan diaspora organizations, according to German media reports on Thursday.
Speaking at a parliamentary debate on cannabis legalization, Sichert claimed that Moroccans make up the majority of the “Mocro-Mafia,” a Dutch-based organized crime group.
He also suggested that Germany should deport unemployed Moroccans, framing their presence as a security threat.
Critics denounced his statements as racist and inflammatory. They accused Sichert of exploiting stereotypes to fuel division and undermine social cohesion.
Moroccan Organizations Plan Legal Action
Across Germany, 13 Moroccan diaspora organizations issued a joint statement rejecting Sichert’s allegations. Representing communities in states like North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin, and Hesse, the groups highlighted decades of contributions made by Moroccan immigrants.
“Moroccans have enriched Germany’s economy, science, culture, and society for over 60 years. Sichert’s remarks disregard this reality, spreading baseless accusations to incite fear and reinforce prejudice,” the joint statement declared.
The organizations announced plans to pursue legal action, citing the harm discriminatory rhetoric could incite. They also warned of potential diplomatic fallout, as such remarks jeopardize Germany’s strong ties with Morocco.
Political Leaders Condemn AfD’s Rhetoric
Politicians from democratic parties also criticized Sichert’s remarks. Sanae Abdi, an SPD Bundestag member and development policy spokesperson, called his comments “another example of the AfD’s racist core.”
Abdi, who is of Moroccan descent, accused the party of fabricating connections to scapegoat minorities.
Green Party politician Julia Höller, a deputy leader in North Rhine-Westphalia’s state parliament, rejected Sichert’s use of the term “Mocro-Mafia,” labeling it inaccurate and unhelpful. She noted that law enforcement in NRW has publicly refuted such associations.
“The AfD intentionally spreads racist and hateful misinformation. We must address organized crime with serious, fact-based approaches, not with divisive and baseless generalizations,” Höller said.