Syrian refugee quits bid for German parliament seat over racism

Calls grow to protect minority politicians after Tarek Alaows, of Germany’s Green party, received death threats.

Berlin, Germany – An activist who had hoped to become Germany’s first Syrian refugee MP has stepped aside after receiving racist abuse and death threats, a move that has prompted calls to protect ethnic minority politicians. Tarek Alaows, who planned to run for the Green party in September’s election, said this week that he could no longer continue due to the level of threats made against him and his allies. “The withdrawal of Tarek Alaows needs to be a wake-up call,” said Niema Movassat, a Left party MP with Iranian heritage who represents the Oberhausen, where Aalows lives.