The Bernese State Councilor in charge of asylum declared in an interview in May that protection status S was being abused. This in particular by people from the Roma community holding Ukrainian papers who “probably” did not come from Ukraine (Archives).
Photo: KEYSTONE/ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE
The Bernese Grand Council on Monday refused the Public Prosecutor’s Office authorization to open criminal proceedings against State Councilor Pierre Alain Schnegg. A criminal complaint had been filed against the UDC elected official for comments deemed demeaning against the Roma.
Parliament decided by 108 votes to 28, with 19 abstentions. In an interview with Tagesanzeiger, Pierre Alain Schnegg declared in May that ‘Roma clans’, who probably do not come from Ukraine, abuse the S refugee status.
A criminal complaint had been filed against the State Councilor in charge of asylum for comments that were ‘generalized in several respects, unfounded and demeaning’, according to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The deputies followed the opinion of the office of the Grand Council: there is not sufficient evidence to indicate that Mr. Schnegg would have ‘demeaned or discriminated against a person or group in a way that undermines human dignity’ . State councilors must be free to express opinions based on matters within their jurisdiction.
/ATS
World
