Switzerland votes on proposals for expulsion of foreign nationals

If the Swiss votes yes in Sunday’s referendum, foreign nationals, including those born in Switzerland, will be automatically expelled from the country even after minor offenses.

The proposal, which was made by the right-wing populist People’s Party (SVP), means that judges will no longer be able to rule whether expulsion is a legitimate measure considering the offender’s life situation and the severity of the offense.

It also means that  people who have only committed minor offenses usually punished with fines and suspended sentences also will be expelled if they are convicted twice in the span of a decade.

Among the offenses this would apply to are: false statements, verbal abuse of the police, minor theft, possession of drugs, fighting, and speeding.

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today