Source: Tages Anzeiger
Asylum chief wants to prevent dangerous Eritrea festivals
For the first time, the State Secretary for Migration comments on the mass brawl in Opfikon. Your people are already checking the first Eritreans loyal to the regime who could lose their asylum status.
Published: September 17, 2023, 8:55 p.m100
Batons, stones, fists: There were wild scenes that took place around two weeks ago in Opfikon near Zurich. Regime loyalists and dissidents from Eritrea attacked each other in Glattpark.
This also concerns the highest asylum officials in the country. When asked, Christine Schraner Burgener speaks of a “red line” that has now been crossed. “As a citizen of this country, it bothers me very much when this conflict, which has nothing to do with Switzerland, is carried out violently on our soil,” says the State Secretary for Migration angrily.
She wants to work with the responsible authorities so that events where there is a risk of riots “are no longer approved if possible”.
“Hold ringleaders accountable”
Schraner Burgener is addressing the so-called cultural festivals. Behind this are organizations close to the regime that spread propaganda and collect money for the dictatorial regime.
Such festivals were announced across Europe around September 1st to celebrate the anniversary of the beginning of the war of Independence. Opponents of the regime rebelled against the propaganda events, which is why violence escalated in Tel Aviv, Stockholm and Opfikon.
The events repeated themselves this weekend: regime supporters and opponents fought in Stuttgart on Saturday. Police arrested over 200 Eritreans. It turned out that 63 opponents of the regime had arrived from Switzerland.
Schraner Burgener holds the federal government, cantons and municipalities accountable. They would have to work closely together to prevent such riots. If that doesn’t work, “the ringleaders must be held accountable.”
The question is: How?
Eritreans loyal to the regime are threatened with the withdrawal of their asylum status
Shortly after the mass brawl, Zurich security director Mario Fehr and the SVP called for Eritreans loyal to the regime to be deported . Many people also support this within the diaspora.
State Secretary Schraner Burgener says that the SEM has already received “certain information” from Zurich in order to check those responsible for the escalation in Opfikon.
The public prosecutor’s office in the canton of Zurich has so far opened proceedings against 15 identified people, as it said when asked. The investigation concerns alleged racketeering and breach of the peace. In individual cases, additional criminal offenses could be added.
Schraner Burgener reminds that forced returns are not possible for any European country because Eritrea does not cooperate. However, the Asylum Act allows the Swiss authorities to revoke or deny asylum status or refugee status in certain cases. For example, if Switzerland’s internal and external security is at risk.
Measures against interpreter spies
The State Secretary is also concerned about the recent allegations that there are informers among the interpreters. As early as 2015, there were suspicions that supporters of the regime could work as interpreters. “CH Media” recently reported on asylum seekers who spoke of intimidation attempts and manipulated protocols.
“So far, no asylum seekers from Eritrea have contacted us,” says SEM boss Schraner Burgener. They consistently followed up on specific information and have even terminated interpreters who violated the code of conduct.
From 2024, in addition to the other checks, it will be possible to subject interpreters to a systematic personal security check during the application process. There is currently no legal basis for this. (aa)
But the Swiss authorities are also closely monitoring what the opposition is doing. “Since last year, we have noticed across Europe that the opposition has networked better and is acting strategically,” says Schraner Burgener. “First they try to prevent the events from taking place by reporting them to the authorities. If that doesn’t work, demonstrate at the venue.”
This could become a dilemma for the authorities. On the one hand, Schraner Burgener reminds us of freedom of expression and assembly. On the other hand, it is clear: “If one of the two sides calls for violence or people are put under pressure, these freedoms end.” This could benefit Eritreans critical of the regime in the future if they want to prevent propaganda events.
Ultimately, the head of asylum emphasizes that the vast majority of Eritreans behave correctly. This also applies to those who fled to Switzerland in the 80s, who are now often described as particularly loyal to the regime. Many have integrated here, found work “and are not politically interested at all”.
Martin Plaut 