Swiss reject deportation of foreign criminals in referendum

[webfact]

Swiss reject deportation of foreign criminals in referendum



BERN: -- Swiss voters have rejected a right-wing proposal to deport foreign law-breakers in a referendum.

The end tally showed 58.9 percent coming out against automatic deportations.

It hands a defeat to the country’s dominant anti-immigration Swiss People’s Party (SVP).

Turnout was more than 62 percent, the highest for a referendum in Switzerland since 1992, according to a research and polling institute.

“Today was an important day, which affirmed Switzerland’s rule of law. We did not enhance the rule of law in Switzerland, but the voters today did defend the rule of law,” said Simonetta Sommaruga, Member of the Swiss Federal Council.

The plan to expel foreign residents guilty of anything from murder to speeding was proposed by the SVP, which has around a third of the seats in Switzerland’s lower house of parliament.

But it faced opposition from activists and business leaders who said it would violate human rights and complicate relations with Switzerland’s main trade partner, the European Union, already angered by a 2014 vote that backed quotas on EU workers.

Under the plans, foreigners would have been deported after completing sentences for serious crimes like murder, rape and armed robbery, or for two lesser offences committed within a 10-year span such as speeding or burglary.

The Swiss People’s Party had collected the 100-thousand signatures needed to start the referendum under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-29

[Somtamnication]

I never said that Thailand had the only idiots.

[canuckamuck]

Why is Europe so intent of self destruction?

[SgtRock]

canuckamuck, on 29 Feb 2016 - 06:14, said:

Why is Europe so intent of self destruction?

Europe is not intent on self destruction, it is blind to it.

Liberal left PC camel dung is great. Everyone is a victim, except of course, the real victims.

[Pimay1]

I'm in disbelief that any sane person would not be in favor of deporting a convicted murderer or rapist back to their home country. How does anyone's thinking become so convoluted?

[DoctorG]

They probably tried for too much. If they had left out the 2 x minor issues then they might have succeeded.

Imagine being deported for speeding twice in 10 years.

[khunano]

This is wrongly reported resp. incomplete. Murderers and rapists will be deported and even for less severe crimes deportation will most likely be ordered. The clause however that any deportation has to be carried out "automatically" was the controversial point of this public initiative. The initial text of law that will now be implemented allows for a review of a deportation order by a judge in case of a minor crime and the foreign culprit having strong roots in Switzerland, i.e. being born and raised in Switzerland, having a family to feed and not being connected to the country of his/her parents, perhaps not even speaking their native language, deportation may be annulled.

[klauskunkel]

But it faced opposition from activists and business leaders who said it would violate human rights and complicate relations with Switzerland’s main trade partner

common sense: 0

special interests: 1

as always

[stevenl]

This is wrongly reported resp. incomplete. Murderers and rapists will be deported and even for less severe crimes deportation will most likely be ordered. The clause however that any deportation has to be carried out "automatically" was the controversial point of this public initiative. The initial text of law that will now be implemented allows for a review of a deportation order by a judge in case of a minor crime and the foreign culprit having strong roots in Switzerland, i.e. being born and raised in Switzerland, having a family to feed and not being connected to the country of his/her parents, perhaps not even speaking their native language, deportation may be annulled.

Sorry, your post can not be accepted. Here on Thai Visa we only flame based on incomplete information. Sensible, factual posts are not accepted.

Edited February 29, 2016 by stevenl

[Norvid 1950]

The information is incomplete, so all answers/forum is just a speculation, however, in EU the problem still are the immigrants from Asia Minor and Africa. The evidence is available and terrifying. All EU is affected/infested by the wrong immigration and immigration law. EU should be preserving its heritage, not destroying it. All leftist parties are guilty as always looking back in history. Multiculturalism is an enemy of stable civilization and true democratic principles. The left doesn't see this way however. They never see that they doing wrong. From revolutions, national socialism to international socialism to multiculturalism. Look what those new special from outside EU immigrants are doing in France, Germany, Sweden, Greece and not hopefully in any other countries due course. People of EU do not want them. Only politicians. Maybe the answer is in firing them from all offices before is too late?

If this continue, a civil war like a black cloud will hang over the future and this will change things in Europe for ever.

[sanukjim]

So this political party wants to keep "convicted Criminals" in their country.Just to show that they can out vote the other party in a referendum.Wow so this must be where the Thai students go to learn their government skills out side of Thailand.

[stevenl]

So this political party wants to keep "convicted Criminals" in their country.Just to show that they can out vote the other party in a referendum.Wow so this must be where the Thai students go to learn their government skills out side of Thailand.

No. Please read the more informed comments in this thread before answering.

[Enoon]

But it faced opposition from activists and business leaders who said it would violate human rights and complicate relations with Switzerland’s main trade partner

common sense: 0

special interests: 1

as always

Do you not know how the referendum system works in Switzerland?

It is the only country that I know of (there may be others) where the direct voting of the people, in a referendum, makes or breaks policy.

This was the people's vote. Well educated and informed people, from a wealthy and sophisticated country.

A shame that you , and so many uninformed posters, don't bother to educate or elevate yourselves to the level of the average Swiss voter.

Edited February 29, 2016 by Enoon

[klauskunkel]

But it faced opposition from activists and business leaders who said it would violate human rights and complicate relations with Switzerland’s main trade partner

common sense: 0

special interests: 1

as always

Do you not know how the referendum system works in Switzerland?

It is the only country that I know of (there may be others) where the direct voting of the people, in a referendum, makes or breaks policy.

This was the people's vote.

A shame that you , and so many uninformed posters, don't bother to educate or elevate yourselves to the level of the average Swiss voter.

All right, I shall take the time and explain my post to you:

my post says that "special interest groups" (business leaders and activists) won against "common sense", which happens sadly throughout the world "as always".

It infers that this special interests influenced the voting for their ends.

I don't say that that's good or bad, it's just what it is. This happens everywhere no matter the mechanics of voting.

Now I have to take the elevator back up, after having lowered myself to your level. Gruezi miteinand....(wishing you a good day)

[stevenl]

But it faced opposition from activists and business leaders who said it would violate human rights and complicate relations with Switzerland’s main trade partner

common sense: 0

special interests: 1

as always

Do you not know how the referendum system works in Switzerland?

It is the only country that I know of (there may be others) where the direct voting of the people, in a referendum, makes or breaks policy.

This was the people's vote.

A shame that you , and so many uninformed posters, don't bother to educate or elevate yourselves to the level of the average Swiss voter.

All right, I shall take the time and explain my post to you:

my post says that "special interest groups" (business leaders and activists) won against "common sense", which happens sadly throughout the world "as always".

It infers that this special interests influenced the voting for their ends.

I don't say that that's good or bad, it's just what it is. This happens everywhere no matter the mechanics of voting.

Now I have to take the elevator back up, after having lowered myself to your level. Gruezi miteinand....(wishing you a good day)

So common sense has lost and you won't say if that is good or bad. But it is sad.

What do you think would common sense have been in this respect? Because I would say, looking at e.g. post #7, that common sense has prevailed.

Edited February 29, 2016 by stevenl

[klauskunkel]

All right, I shall take the time and explain my post to you:

my post says that "special interest groups" (business leaders and activists) won against "common sense", which happens sadly throughout the world "as always".

It infers that this special interests influenced the voting for their ends.

I don't say that that's good or bad, it's just what it is. This happens everywhere no matter the mechanics of voting.

Now I have to take the elevator back up, after having lowered myself to your level. Gruezi miteinand....(wishing you a good day)

So common sense has lost and you won't say if that is good or bad.

What is it today? I talked about the influence of special interests and I did not valuate that (the influence) as good or bad.

[razer]

The referendum was set-up to fail but people are too stupid to see that. If the wording had been to deport immigrants for violent crimes or acts of terrorism, it would have passed.

[stevenl]

The referendum was set-up to fail but people are too stupid to see that. If the wording had been to deport immigrants for violent crimes or acts of terrorism, it would have passed.

The are deported for violent crimes or acts of terrorism.

[schweizer]

To be honest if the wording had been better and I had been home I would have voted yes,

Every country has the right to deport foreign criminals. Obviously sometimes repatriation is not possible to some countries where the criminal is truly endangered.

Only last week the British home secretary announced that she will strip the Pakistanis found guilty of child abuse in Rotherham of the citizenship and deport them at the end of their sentences.

[simple1]

So this political party wants to keep "convicted Criminals" in their country.Just to show that they can out vote the other party in a referendum.Wow so this must be where the Thai students go to learn their government skills out side of Thailand.

Switzerland has laws in place from a 2010 referendum to deport convicted criminals after serving their sentence. The OP "Enforcement Initiative" is in regard to petty criminality which is way over the top.

There is a reasonable article on the background of the OP below.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35644590

[schweizer]

So this political party wants to keep "convicted Criminals" in their country.Just to show that they can out vote the other party in a referendum.Wow so this must be where the Thai students go to learn their government skills out side of Thailand.

Switzerland has laws in place from a 2010 referendum to deport convicted criminals after serving their sentence. The OP "Enforcement Initiative" is in regard to petty criminality which is way over the top.

There is a reasonable article on the background of the OP below.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35644590

Yes it does

The original idea of the new vote was to include people who make multiple petty offences, which are not covered by the 2010 law.

Similar in a way to the US "3 strikes and you're out" law but in CH it wouldn't mean life in prison it would mean deportation

[stevenl]

To be honest if the wording had been better and I had been home I would have voted yes,

Every country has the right to deport foreign criminals. Obviously sometimes repatriation is not possible to some countries where the criminal is truly endangered.

Only last week the British home secretary announced that she will strip the Pakistanis found guilty of child abuse in Rotherham of the citizenship and deport them at the end of their sentences.

So why would you have voted yes, since the law proposed to deport automatically, no exceptions.

What you're proposing is the law already.

[Grouse]

I never said that Thailand had the only idiots.

True! We have plenty in UK!

[Mot Dang]

The Swiss have always been a bit strange, they have always thumbed their nose at the rest of Europe and the world. Particularly their behaviors during and after WWII. A nice escape route for Nazi criminals, an open door to espionage, a sorting house for stolen wealth from WWII. Hiding stolen art and artifacts, in particular from Cambodia. Protecting the stolen money of despots and dictators. It wasn't until recently, after huge pressure from the USA that they opened their records for scrutiny to identify tax dodgers.

It's funny, every-time I hear about the Swiss I think of their banks, and imagine something like the Hogwarts School bank and its vaults, run by goblins (as in Harry Potter films). No one knows what is under the streets of Zurich in bank vaults.

This decision is of the same thinking they always have had. Its called arrogance. Great place for a holiday though.

[Grouse]

canuckamuck, on 29 Feb 2016 - 06:14, said:

Why is Europe so intent of self destruction?

Europe is not intent on self destruction, it is blind to it.

Liberal left PC camel dung is great. Everyone is a victim, except of course, the real victims.

So you consider the Swiss to be "Liberal left PC camel dung"? Switzerland at least has a very democratic system in case you were unaware.

I am afraid your comment says more about you than the Swiss.....

[swissbie]

To be honest if the wording had been better and I had been home I would have voted yes,

Every country has the right to deport foreign criminals. Obviously sometimes repatriation is not possible to some countries where the criminal is truly endangered.

Only last week the British home secretary announced that she will strip the Pakistanis found guilty of child abuse in Rotherham of the citizenship and deport them at the end of their sentences.

"If the wording had been better"? Please read #7 and #20 again. Besides, I'm living here but do vote in my country of origin, though not home anymore .

[Ulic]

Well, a step to far deporting a person for two speeding tickets in a 10 year period, or perhaps a jaywalking and a ticket for speeding that you get from a traffic camera. Lots of those in Switzerland.

[Scott]

An off-topic post has been removed. The thread isn't about the US or any particular poster.

Please stay on topic.

[Galactus]

i congratulate Swiss people.

and not so wise comments here.

so, lets say if Thai authorities announce such law, what do you feel as a foreigner when there is 'Sword of Damocles' swinging on your head at all times?

bc such law give authorities a way to deport whoever and whenever they want! Russia uses the same system and i heard foreigners and long time expats deported for wayfaring at a wrong road!

do you like if authorities use such power against you as expats and foreigners living in Thailand?

basically you say; 'if it not happening to me, it is not my problem.'

Edited February 29, 2016 by Galactus

[Jonmarleesco]

Nice to be able to take heart from the fact that the U.K. isn't alone in demonstrating such idiocy. But in the U.K., it's generally the government that takes the lead, not the electorate.