European Parliament passes Return Regulation as MEPs chant "Send them back"
By
Shimaa Samy
Summary
A Middle Eastern and North African journalist recounts her visceral reaction to witnessing the European Parliament pass the new Return Regulation in June 2026, where MEPs rose and chanted "Send them back" after the vote. Despite having followed the legislation's development and expected its passage, the author was deeply shaken by the celebratory, unified chant from elected officials. The experience triggered dormant fears related to her identity as an Egyptian, Muslim, and Semitic journalist living in Germany, making her feel afraid of people for the first time.
Source
bskyEuropean Parliament passes Return Regulation as MEPs chant "Send them back"euobserver.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledWhat I did not expect was the sound that followed: rows of elected members rising to chant, in unison, 'Send them back.' A celebration. A roar.
I have spent 15 years writing about people's fear. On Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in Brussels, the fear became mine.
Today I'm going to my work in Germany feeling, for the first time, afraid of people. Sadly.
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