Denmark will force 'unwanted' migrants onto an island currently used to research diseased animals
Denmark can't seem to legally ditch its most "unwanted" migrants. So it's settling for pushing them onto a tiny, remote island currently used for researching and then cremating diseased animals.
The country's government and Danish People's Party, both on the political right, announced a new purpose for the 17-acre Lindholm Island on Friday. It'll be the new home of up to 100 "foreigners who have been convicted of crimes and rejected asylum seekers" who legally can't return home, The New York Times writes.
The island is currently used for "researching contagious animal diseases" and "lies about two miles from the nearest shore," the Times writes. Two intentionally "cumbersome and expensive" ferries — one of which is literally called "Virus" — will operate to and from the mainland infrequently throughout the day. But migrants "must stay at the departure center at night," Denmark's finance minister said, per Danish paper The Local. He then insisted migrants "will not be imprisoned," just monitored by police "around the clock." The People's Party also tweeted out this cute animation showing where migrants will go "until we can get rid of them."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
If those details didn't make it clear enough how Denmark's government feels about its migrants, the country's immigration minister spelled it out: "They are unwanted in Denmark, and they will feel that," she wrote on Facebook. The government has vowed to push the limits of international human rights laws. Left-wing politicians and former immigration officials decried the move. Read more at The New York Times.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
-
5 timely cartoons about climate change denial
Cartoons Artists take on textbook trouble, bizarre beliefs, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Kris Kristofferson: the free-spirited country music star who studied at Oxford
In the Spotlight The songwriter, singer and film-star has died aged 88
By The Week UK Published
-
The Chagos agreement explained
In Depth Ceding the islands to Mauritius could allow China to gain foothold in the Indo-Pacific, experts have warned
By The Week UK Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published