In Solidarity to the struggle in the detention centre kloten.
Until every cage burns.
Statement from a solidarity assembly about events inside the Detention Center ZAA Kloten.
Within a month, two prisoners died in the Zurich extermination prison, followed by suicide attempts, fires and an 8-day hunger strike of 50 prisoners. The prisoners made demands, but their resistance has been ignored and individuals placed in isolation. Switzerland continues to promote proudly it’s detention and deportation policy. But as long as people are jailed for 18 months just because they’re “illegal,” resistance will continue to grow.We stand in solidarity with the resistance of the prisoners and fight on their side against the lethal extermination machinery.
For the abolition of the 18-month imprisonment!
For the abolition of the inhuman isolation cells in the prison!
For an immediate stop to all forced exploitation!
DEMONSTRATION: Saturday 5th July 14:00 State Museum, Zurich
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Demands sent to prison management of Canton of Zurich
To the Esteemed Authorities of the ZAA, SEM, and the Responsible Authorities of the Canton of Zurich, ZAA(Centre for Administrative Detention under Immigration Law) We are reaching out to you with deep despair, regret, and serious concern. The recent events and conditions within the ZAA are alarming and demand urgent action. On Wednesday, May 26, 2025, the detention center was shaken by the tragic death of a 22-year-old Algerian man who was found lifeless in his cell.
He was our friend. Approximately four weeks earlier, another detainee took his own life. In addition, several individuals have attempted suicide in recent weeks. These incidents are harrowing evidence of the dire situation many detainees are facing. It is undeniable that the mental health and well-being of the detainees are suffering severely. Many individuals are suicidal or show signs of serious psychological distress, as they can no longer endure the conditions in detention. This situation is not only a humanitarian catastrophe but also an urgent call to the authorities to take immediate action. The right to physical and mental integrity is a fundamental human right that must be protected in this context.
Therefore, we demand the following:
1 Review and Limitation of Detention Duration: The current detention duration, which can last up to 18 months, is unacceptable. The principle of proportionality must be respected. It is necessary to review and reduce the length of detention to a humane level in order to protect the mental health of those affected.
2 Swift Return of Those Willing to Leave: In cases where voluntary return to the home country or a third country is possible and desired by the individual, it should be promptly organized and carried out. A swift return can help reduce the burden in the detention center and offer a dignified solution for the individuals concerned.
3 End to Forced Deportations: Forced deportations, especially when carried out under conditions that violate human rights, must be stopped immediately. It is essential to respect the dignity and rights of the individuals affected.
4 Voluntary Dublin Returns: For individuals subject to return to a Dublin state and who voluntarily agree to the return, the transfer should be organized swiftly in order to avoid uncertainty and unnecessary suffering.
5 Professional Treatment for Health Issues, Especially Psychiatric Cases: Individuals with mental illnesses must receive immediate, professional, and sustainable treatment and care until a stable and positive prognosis is reached.
6 Isolation Cell: We demand the abolition of the isolation cell in its current form, where it is used as a means of punishment. In addition to point 5, this cell is utterly unsuitable for locking up people in acute psychological crisis. We call for the immediate cessation of this inhumane practice!
In conclusion, we urgently appeal to all responsible authorities and the public to improve the conditions at the ZAA Kloten without delay. This is a matter of life and human dignity for people who are in an extremely distressing situation. It is high time to uphold humane standards and provide those affected with the support they urgently need. The current conditions in the ZAA contradict the principle of proportionality, which can only be met in administrative detention if detention is limited to what is strictly necessary.
We thank you for your attention and expect a prompt response to this urgent matter.
Sincerely, The Detainees of the Administrative Detention Center ZAA Kloten