European nation restarts expulsion of Ukrainians
Swiss authorities have deported three Ukrainian nationals found guilty of committing “serious crimes” in the canton of Zurich. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Switzerland has repatriated three Ukrainian nationals convicted of serious crimes, marking the first such deportation since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, according to a report from the Neue Zürcher Zeitung on Thursday. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) confirmed this action, stating, “It is true that three people were returned to Ukraine on a special flight.” All three men had received convictions in the canton of Zurich.
While their specific identities and the details of their crimes remain undisclosed, the report suggests that their offenses likely involved serious violations such as robbery, deprivation of liberty, or bodily harm, as defined by Swiss law. The individuals were escorted by Swiss police to Poland before being sent to Ukraine.
In response to inquiries about the ethics of deporting criminals to a war-torn country, the SEM indicated that “in the case of convicted criminals who have been deported, the reasonableness of returning does not need to be examined.”
Zurich’s security director, Mario Fehr, expressed support for the decision, emphasizing that “criminals have no place in the canton of Zurich and in Switzerland” and “must return to their home countries.”
Following the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Switzerland implemented the ‘S protection status system,’ which allowed Ukrainian refugees to enjoy extended visa-free stays, housing, medical services, and various social benefits. This status had previously protected individuals from deportation; however, the Swiss Federal Council recently specified that it could be revoked in cases of particularly severe criminal behavior. Additionally, the Council of Cantons announced that only Ukrainians from regions where active fighting is occurring are now eligible to apply for this status.
Switzerland has also established a similar protection framework for Afghan nationals. Local media report that no Afghan deportations had occurred for over five years until two weeks ago, when two Afghans were repatriated due to serious offenses.
Vincenzo Mascioli, the deputy director of the SEM, remarked to NZZ that Switzerland should adopt a stance of “zero tolerance” toward crimes committed within its borders, indicating that the agency plans to increase the deportation of foreign criminals in the near future.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
While their specific identities and the details of their crimes remain undisclosed, the report suggests that their offenses likely involved serious violations such as robbery, deprivation of liberty, or bodily harm, as defined by Swiss law. The individuals were escorted by Swiss police to Poland before being sent to Ukraine.
In response to inquiries about the ethics of deporting criminals to a war-torn country, the SEM indicated that “in the case of convicted criminals who have been deported, the reasonableness of returning does not need to be examined.”
Zurich’s security director, Mario Fehr, expressed support for the decision, emphasizing that “criminals have no place in the canton of Zurich and in Switzerland” and “must return to their home countries.”
Following the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Switzerland implemented the ‘S protection status system,’ which allowed Ukrainian refugees to enjoy extended visa-free stays, housing, medical services, and various social benefits. This status had previously protected individuals from deportation; however, the Swiss Federal Council recently specified that it could be revoked in cases of particularly severe criminal behavior. Additionally, the Council of Cantons announced that only Ukrainians from regions where active fighting is occurring are now eligible to apply for this status.
Switzerland has also established a similar protection framework for Afghan nationals. Local media report that no Afghan deportations had occurred for over five years until two weeks ago, when two Afghans were repatriated due to serious offenses.
Vincenzo Mascioli, the deputy director of the SEM, remarked to NZZ that Switzerland should adopt a stance of “zero tolerance” toward crimes committed within its borders, indicating that the agency plans to increase the deportation of foreign criminals in the near future.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
