Council of Europe Leader Criticizes Push to Ease Deportation of Foreign Criminals

 

Council of Europe Leader Criticizes Push to Ease Deportation of Foreign Criminals

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, publicly criticized a group of nine European countries urging for reforms to make it easier to expel foreign nationals convicted of crimes. The countries, led by Italy and Denmark, argue that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has unduly limited their ability to deport individuals by broadly interpreting the European Convention on Human Rights. Berset emphasized the importance of judicial independence, warning that political pressure and court decisions should not undermine the rule of law or the stability of social systems. He warned against "weaponizing" the court against governments or against protecting individuals who pose security risks, arguing that such practices could erode fundamental rights and the rule of law. The initiative aims to give member states greater national authority in deportation decisions, citing concerns that certain court rulings restrict their ability to expel individuals who threaten public safety. Berset reinforced that the Court’s role is to uphold the rights and values of member states, stressing the importance of maintaining its impartiality and independence.

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