Handcuffs and Covid tests for deported migrants spark criticism – Switzerland expat guide

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The continued use of restraint during forced evictions from Switzerland was again criticized by a supervisory body. The reprimand coincides with the government’s attempts to force Covid-19 testing for deportees and an ongoing investigation into alleged violence in asylum centers.

The Swiss National Commission for the Prevention of Torture (NCPT) recorded 25 repatriation flights from the country last year. It found that the police procedure was inconsistent between the different cantons, in particular the use of handcuffs and other restraints.

Presenting its findings on Thursday, the Commission called for action to standardize police strategy nationwide and demanded that restraints not be used solely on the basis of a psychiatric assessment.

The Commission also found that there was little difference in the treatment of the different categories of deportees, which define the degree of restriction allowed.

Although some improvements have been made over the past year, the bulk of the complaints are similar to those filed last July.

Mandatory test

In a separate development, the Swiss government is asking parliament to approve measures to force deported migrants to pass Covid-19 tests. This is to counter the problem of migrants who effectively stop their deportation by refusing to take tests.

The proposed measures, which have just gone through a consultation phase, would last until the end of 2022 if approved. The government does not believe that a swab test would count as an invasive medical procedure.

Left-wing political parties and refugee organizations claim these measures would violate human rights, while right-wing parties claim it would prevent the asylum system from collapsing.

The treatment of refugees in Switzerland has been at the center of controversy in recent months amid allegations of abuse at asylum centers. In May, an independent investigation was launched to examine the allegations.

swissinfo.ch/mga

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