Bauma and the strangers (Swiss Press Text 2012, by Thomas Bacher) - Swiss Press Award

Zürcher Oberländer und Tages-Anzeiger

Thomas Bacher

The residents of the transit center are causing unrest in the small Zurich Oberland community of Bauma. The accusations against the asylum seekers are harsh. The residents of Bauma report massive harassment, theft, drug trafficking, and sexual harassment. The authorities and the center's operators are tied by the law. Incomprehension is everywhere, and foreigners are viewed as the enemy. But there's also the kiosk owner. She sees how the young men arrive in Bauma full of hope – and a few months later, disillusioned and drunken, they hang around the train station.