Swiss accused of checking foreigners at borders
The Czech Republic says Switzerland is systematically checking foreigners at border crossings in violation of an accord that facilitates travel around Europe.
In December 2008, Switzerland joined the Schengen Area, a group of 26 European countries that agreed to do away with regular passport controls within the bloc’s borders. The Czech Republic is also a member.
A justice ministry spokesperson confirmed a report published on Sunday that said a Czech delegation had complained in June about unfair passport controls at Swiss borders.
Officials accuse Swiss border guards of stopping cars with foreign registrations for no reason and asking the passengers for details on where they were going and how much money they were carrying.
The justice ministry has said it would look into the accusations.
Switzerland has not joined a European customs union, meaning Swiss agents are allowed to search vehicles and monitor merchandise.
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