Renowned critic of war-era refugee policy dies

Alfred A. Häsler, author of a novel highlighting Switzerland's refugee policy during the Second World War, has died at the age of 88.

He died on April 7 in Zurich officials confirmed on Monday.

Häsler, who worked as a journalist for various newspapers, as well as radio and television, was renowned for his articles and books on social, ecological and cultural issues.

His most famous book, The Boat is Full, was made into a feature film which won an Oscar nomination in 1981.

Häsler, who was a member of the Communist Party until 1956, became the victim of a politically-motivated trial over suspected embezzlement of donations in the 1940s.

He was later awarded numerous academic distinctions, including an honorary doctorate of Zurich University and an honorary fellowship of Jerusalem’s Hebrew University.

swissinfo with agencies