Valais canton police in Switzerland implemented "Plan Cobra," mobilizing 200 officers to block 42 caravans of French Travelers from entering the region. The operation lasted over seven hours, resulting in the Travelers being redirected to Neuchâtel.
The Travelers' lawyer, Pierre Ventura, strongly criticized the police action, deeming it "absolutely shocking" and questioning its legal basis. He plans legal action, citing the infringement of his clients' rights to free movement within Switzerland. He argues that the Travelers are integrated, working families posing no threat.
Valais Security Minister Frédéric Favre justified the police intervention by citing the need to maintain order and security, claiming it prevented potential illegal caravan installations. However, he provided no specific legal justification for the extensive operation.
The core conflict involves the lack of designated spaces for Travelers in Valais. The Travelers had rented a plot of land but were blocked by local authorities in Gampel. The incident highlights broader tensions and the need for more designated areas for Travelers across Switzerland. A foundation, Assurer l’avenir des gens du voyage suisses, suggests the need for an additional 80 designated sites nationwide.
The article briefly contrasts the Valais situation with a similar event in Vaud canton, where a similar police intervention took place but resulted in a different resolution involving negotiations and a designated parking area. This comparison illustrates the differing approaches between cantons regarding Travelers.