They accuse them of abuse of authority, kidnapping, coercion or even bodily harm. Six unaccompanied minor asylum seekers (UMAs), of Afghan origin, filed a complaint against security agents at the reception center set up in the Rochat barracks, in northern Vaud. According to the RTS, they would have suffered arm locks, belly tackles, pepper spray and arbitrary detention, for nothing or almost. For example, they would have been criticized for listening to music that was too loud, for asking for an extra portion of food or even for not complying with a request.
Interviewed by the authorities, Protectas employees denied having violated internal regulations. They would in fact have used proportionate means against very aggressive young people. Moreover, complaints of insults and threats were also filed against one of the applicants. And, for the moment, the security guards remain presumed innocent. However, the RTS investigation reveals that none of them would have followed specific training for the supervision of minors. At best, they read a document on the operation of federal asylum centers and one of them would have simply been trained on the job. This case is reminiscent of cases of abuse reported in the past. And lawyer Milena Peeva declared, in the 7:30 p.m.: “There is a structural problem, and despite the promises of change and the guarantees on training and recruitment [des agents]Nothing has changed.”
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