Deniz Kurku resigns as Lower Saxony migration commissioner

Deniz Kurku, the Lower Saxony Commissioner for Migration and Participation, has resigned from his position effective immediately. Kurku cited severe hostility, death threats, and false accusations as the primary reasons for his departure, stating he could no longer fulfill his duties to the required standard while protecting the integrity of the office.

The resignation follows a connection to a mass shooting in Stade in June, where six employees of a mother-child facility were killed. Investigators identified Kurku’s mother-in-law, Sylvia S., as the person who allegedly drove the perpetrator’s getaway vehicle. While Kurku has denied any prior knowledge of the crime or involvement in the underlying custody dispute, the connection has led to intense public scrutiny and threats against him.

Lower Saxony Prime Minister Olaf Lies expressed support for Kurku, noting that the personal attacks and death threats had crossed a line. The state cabinet is expected to decide on a successor in the near future.