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3mo ago

False Afghan-Origin Rumors About Germany’s Youngest Abiturient Persist Online

Erroneous claims that Lina’s family fled Afghanistan survive correction efforts, prompting scrutiny of Germany’s misinformation safeguards

Lina Heider ist gerade einmal elf Jahre alt - und hat schon ihr Abitur gemacht
Luftaufnahme von Kabul – die Behauptung, deutsche Medien hätten die afghanische Herkunft eines hochbegabten Mädchens verschwiegen, stellte sich als falsch heraus
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Lina Heider, hat mit elf Jahren ihr Abitur.

Overview

  • Lina Heider, 11, became Germany’s youngest Abiturient after completing her final exams in Bonn in just six years of schooling.
  • After her achievement drew nationwide attention, social media posts falsely claimed that Lina and her parents were Afghan refugees.
  • Islam influencer Tarek Baé posted the misinformation on Instagram and later issued a correction and apology, yet his original post remains online.
  • The Heider family formally denied any Afghan heritage in a ZDFheute statement and asked the public to respect their privacy.
  • The persistence of the false claims has intensified discussions about online harassment, trust in media reporting and proposals for enhanced misinformation oversight.