„Transferring Prisoners Abroad is a Worthwhile Idea“ – Swiss Police Director
In the face of overcrowded prisons, the Danish plan to incarcerate foreign convicts in Kosovo has sparked interest in Switzerland as well. The move comes as a potential solution to the overcrowding issue in Swiss prisons, which were reported to be 95% full at the beginning of the year.
Denmark, facing a similar problem, has proposed transferring foreign criminals from non-EU or non-Efta countries to Kosovo for incarceration. This idea has caught the attention of Swiss authorities, with Bernese Police Director Philippe Müller (FDP) stating that transferring prisoners abroad is a „worthwhile idea“ in an interview with the „SonntagsZeitung.“ While there are currently no concrete plans in place, Müller emphasizes the importance of remaining open to such measures as the situation evolves.
While a previous assessment raised concerns about the idea of transferring prisoners abroad, it was noted that these concerns may not apply to convicts who would have to leave the country upon completion of their sentence. In such cases, the goal of reintegrating into Swiss society would not be relevant.
The question remains: Should Switzerland follow Denmark’s lead and send prisoners abroad for incarceration? This is a topic that continues to spark debate among policymakers and the public alike. As the issue of prison overcrowding persists, exploring alternative solutions such as international prisoner transfers may prove to be a viable option for addressing this ongoing challenge.