Angela Merkel attacked over crying refugee girl

German chancellor Angela Merkel faced criticism in July 2015 over her treatment of a young refugee who had been threatened with deportation.

At a forum for young people, Mrs Merkel replied to Reem Sahwil, a Palestinian girl - an asylum seeker, German language speaker and university hopeful - that not all migrants could stay in Germany and some would have to be sent back home.

As the girl starts crying over the fear of being refused a stay in Germany to pursue her dreams, Ms Merkel strokes her on the back. According to Mrs Sahwil, she and her family had been waiting four years to gain permanent residency in Germany.

The situation had a big impact on social media. Later on, German authorities confirmed that Reem and her family would be able to stay in the country.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Germany to expedite asylum applications, expand migration centers http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-to-expedite-asylum-applications-expand-migration-centers/

The Guardian, 17.07.15: Teenage asylum seeker who confronted Merkel allowed to stay in Germany http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/17/teenage-reem-asylum-seeker-merkel-tv-allowed-stay-germany

The Guardian, 16.07.15: Angela Merkel comforts sobbing refugee but says Germany can't help everyone http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/16/angela-merkel-comforts-teenage-palestinian-asylum-seeker-germany

The Independent, 17.07.15: Angela Merkel makes Palestinian girl facing deportation from Germany cry on TV http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/angela-merkel-makes-palestinian-girl-facing-deportation-from-germany-cry-on-television-10393719.html

The Local.de, 16.07.15: Palestinian girl defends Merkel against criticism http://www.thelocal.de/20150716/merkel-brings-palestinian-child-to-tears

Politico, 16.07.15: Merkel’s awkward moment http://www.politico.eu/article/merkel-falters-palestine-germany-german-guardian/

BBC News, 17.07.15: Refugee defends German leader's response to her tears http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33562903

Deutsche Welle, 17.07.15: After media storm, Palestinian refugee girl defends Angela Merkel http://dw.com/p/1G0lg

Deutsche Welle, 16.07.15: Asylum case rattles Angela Merkel http://dw.com/p/1G0I1

The Local.de, 05.09.15: Palestinian TV teen given German residency http://www.thelocal.de/20150905/palestinian-teen-given-residency-permit

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