Iranian Refugees in Switzerland Go on Hunger Strike

According to a report by AFP from Zurich, about 50 Iranian asylum seekers began an indefinite hunger strike on December 10 in Zurich, demanding that the Swiss government approve the asylum requests of all Iranians until the current regime in Iran is in power. The strikers, who gathered in a container in front of the "St. Jakob" church in Zurich, urged the Swiss Federal Council not to view Iran as a safe country to which asylum seekers can be returned. These Iranian refugees are supported by an organization active in human rights advocacy known as Ojanov. According to a spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Office for Refugees, it is not possible to grant asylum to all Iranians universally. He added, "We make decisions based on the circumstances regarding asylum requests, and if the deportation of refugees becomes problematic, we will approve their asylum requests, although if this does not happen, they can temporarily stay in Switzerland." As reported by Basirat and quoted by AFP, the number of Iranians residing in Switzerland awaiting the final approval of their asylum requests was 1,221 as of late November; of these, 169 have temporary residency permits in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the deportation of 310 Iranian refugees has been suspended.