Over ten years ago, the fate of the schoolgirl Arigona Zogaj and her family caused an (international) sensation. Their deportation mobilized the masses, thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against and against the Austrian asylum law.
The case came into play when the family of seven from Kosovo was supposed to be deported in 2007. The community of Frankenburg (Vöcklabruck district), where the Zogajs lived for years, wanted to prevent this. Likewise the classmates of Arigona, they started a signature campaign.
When the police came to deport the family, daughter Arigona suddenly disappeared. Her father and siblings had to leave for Kosovo, and her mother was allowed to stay to look for the daughter. After two
The then 15-year-old reported days ago: she would kill herself if her family was not allowed to return.
“She is fine”
The case caused increasing political and socio-political waves, the Upper Austrian provincial government appealed to the then Interior Minister Günther Platter (ÖVP) that the proceedings should be resumed. Demonstrations took place across Austria.
After two weeks, Arigona was found with Pastor Josef Friedl, who had taken the girl in. In the summer of 2008, Arigona and her mother should also be deported. That was prevented until June 2010. Then came the flight to Kosovo.
In the autumn, the mother returned with three children and a valid visa. In 2012, Arigona received – she was in the final year of a five-year vocational school – a temporary residence permit, which five years later changed to an unlimited one. Her mother received this back in 2011.
According to Volkshilfe OÖ, which looked after the family back then and supported them to return to Austria, the 28-year-old Arigona still lives in Austria today. “She is doing well and is well integrated,” emphasized a spokesman when asked by KURIER. One could not and would not say more, but the carers from back then are still in contact with the Zogaj family.
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