Norway deports migrants
Norway deports 60 migrants to Russia under new rules that allow them to deport any migrant originating in a country deemed to be “safe.” The new rules are expected to see 5,500 people deported to Russia. Many of the migrants are fleeing the war in Syria, but they crossed into Norway through Russia via the Arctic Circle. Human rights groups say that Russia should not be considered a safe place for refugees and condemned the move.
Denmark plans refugee property seizure
Denmark announces plans to demand refugees’ valuables in an attempt to make Denmark less appealing as a place of refuge. The rule is not different from laws that apply to Danes receiving welfare benefits, but lawmakers supporting the bill admit that the goal is to discourage people seeking asylum in Denmark. 20,000 people applied for asylum in Denmark in 2015, compared with 1.1 million in neighboring Germany and 163,000 in neighboring Sweden. Immigration Minister:
Denmark must become significantly less attractive for asylum-seekers.
Migrants try to break through border
After a tense stand-off with riot police, a group of migrants try to break through the newly-sealed border barrier to try to enter Hungary. Some migrants throw missiles, including stones and water bottles at the police who then retaliate by firing tear gas and water cannon. Several people have received medical treatment from the ambulance service at the scene of the clashes. Most are suffering from the effects of tear gas but one young man had a bloody leg. Migrant:
We fled wars and violence and did not expect such brutality and inhumane treatment.
