Ombudswoman: Intervention in Medvedov camp not appropriate

Up to the moment when handcuffs were used on asylum seekers at the camp in Medvedov, police intervention was legitimate, albeit unprofessional; but the subsequent body searches and inspection of their accommodation constitutes unjustified interference in their rights of privacy and to be treated humanely, said legal expert Juraj Jando of the Ombudswoman's Office at a briefing on Monday. On September 3rd, 45 foreigners refused to have their breakfasts and began chanting "deport" and "freedom" in the Medvedov camp. They were subsequently joined by 50 foreigners from the second floor of the building. Then the police intervened. According to the foreigners, the police physically beat them. According to the police, the foreigners had small metal objects in their possession, which could have been used in an attack. The police also stated that the migrants were appealed to in a proper manner to abstain from illegal activities and police maintain that the intervention at the detention centre was lawful and appropriate. The course of the intervention is still being investigated by the Interior Ministry's Internal Affairs Inspectorate.