Syrian nationals, including diplomats in Switzerland are having a hard time getting around. The Swiss government has given strict instructions to the police to keep a watchful eye on their movements through Switzerland.
The government’s orders stem from Syria’s involvement in an attempt to smuggle explosives aboard an Israeli airliner at Heathrow Airport in London last April 17. Britain broke diplomatic ties with Damascus after evidence of Syrian complicity emerged in the trial of Nezar Hindawi, the Jordanian national convicted of the crime.
As a result of the Swiss actions, even Syrians holding diplomatic passports have been subjected to police action. One Syrian employed at a United Nations agency in Geneva has been stopped several times at the airport here and questioned at length, causing him to miss his flights.
Syrian businessmen and resident students have curtailed travels around Switzerland to avoid humiliating incidents. One Syrian diplomat here has requested a transfer to a different post. Another advised his family who wanted to join him for a winter vacation to go to France or Austria where Syrians are more welcome.
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