Experts to discuss deportation initiative
Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga has set up a working group to implement a controversial anti-foreign crime initiative approved by voters in November.
Sommaruga said the seven-strong panel would include two members of the rightwing Swiss People’s Party which had launched the initiative.
The group, which includes also representatives of cantons and the federal administration, has until June 2011 to draw up detailed legislation.
Opponents of the initiative, including the government, had warned that it is not in line with international law and bilateral treaties between Switzerland and the European Union.
The initiative calls for the automatic deportation of foreigners convicted of crimes as well as welfare fraud. However, it left it up to the authorities to draw up a detailed list to be submitted to parliament for approval.
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