"Harassing Women and Swimming in Underwear"... Swiss City Bans Entry of People from 'This Country'

Swiss City Pool Restricts Access for French Nationals
"Some Engaged in Harassing Women or Arguing with Staff"

A city in Switzerland has come under controversy for effectively restricting French nationals from accessing its municipal swimming pool. City officials explained that the reason for the measure was the 'unreasonable and inappropriate behavior' of some pool users.

In a region of Switzerland, access for French people was blocked due to issues such as some individuals not following instructions, harassing women, engaging in physical altercations with staff, and even swimming in their underwear. Pexels.

According to Yonhap News, which cited a report by the French daily Le Parisien on July 4 (local time), the Swiss border city of Porrentruy, which shares a border with France, implemented this measure.

According to city authorities, from this day until the end of August, only Swiss citizens, holders of Swiss residence permits, and holders of valid Swiss work permits will be allowed to use the municipal swimming pool.

The city authorities stated that "in recent days, the extreme heatwave has led to a surge in pool users, resulting in numerous cases of disorder and violations of regulations within the facility." They further explained that since the pool opened, more than 20 users have been expelled and banned for violating rules or engaging in inappropriate behavior.

In a region of Switzerland, entry from other countries was blocked for the reason that "the demand for swimming pools is too high, and residents who pay taxes should have priority access." Pexels.

A city official told the regional broadcaster France 3, "The pool can accommodate up to 1,000 people, but current demand exceeds this capacity," adding, "Residents who pay taxes here should have priority access."

He further explained, "There have been problems with some individuals not following instructions, harassing women, engaging in physical altercations with staff, and even swimming in their underwear."

It is known that 95% of those affected by Switzerland's entry restrictions are in fact French. Photo by Pexels.

The Porrentruy authorities did not officially specify any particular nationality. However, it is known that 95% of those affected by the restrictions are in fact French.

In response, criticism has been spreading on French social networking services (SNS), with many calling it "discrimination against a neighboring country." Christian Zimmermann, a National Rally (RN) lawmaker from the Grand Est region near the French border, sent a letter to Philippe Eggertswyler, the mayor of Porrentruy, urging him to "withdraw the discriminatory and excessive measures against French citizens."

However, Mayor Eggertswyler emphasized in response to the criticism that "this measure is not discrimination targeting French nationals, but rather an unavoidable decision to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain public order, regardless of nationality."