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Switzerland: changes to Alien's law

01 January 1994

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In March the Swiss parliament will be discussing changes in the alien's law (ANAG). The changes include 1) an extension in the period of detention before deportation from 3 months to 15 months (3 months of internment and 12 months in prison); 2) 'foreigners', including asylum seekers, who "disturb or endanger public order or security" described as "unsocial behaviour" or people suspected of "extremist contacts" can be imprisoned for a year.

In addition, cantonal authorities will be given the right to restrict people to a specified area or to forbid them to go to certain areas, towns or villages (restricted areas). They will also have the right to search houses of third persons simply because they are thought to have been in contact with "suspected" foreigners.

The background to these changes has been public debates, started six months ago by the ultra-conservative parties, about the problem of drug trafficking and "internal security". This led to demands for actions against "organised crime", more police for protection against crime in general (though the crime rate has been decreasing), and more "state protection" (more active political role for the police).

Komittee Schluss mit dem Schnuffelstaat, Bern, Switzerland.

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