Swiss federal prosecutors are conducting 140 investigations into suspected jihadist terrorism, according to RTS, the public broadcaster. That is the highest number on record.
The cases involve, among other things, recruitment for banned terrorist organisations, their financing, the spread of propaganda, travel to join jihadist groups and the return of foreign fighters. Some concern alleged preparations for attacks.
The current number of jihadist cases is comparatively high. In 2024 the OAG was handling around 120 terrorism-related proceedings, a level it described as “exceptionally high”. An official statement from October 2020 put the number of jihadist-related cases at around 70, half the current number.
The rise is also showing up in court. Between 2022 and 2025 the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland filed 17 indictments for jihadist terrorism before the Federal Criminal Court.
Since the start of 2026 five more cases have already been sent to the court in Bellinzona. Others may follow.
Young man from Aargau goes on trial
Against this backdrop, the trial of a young man from Aargau is due to begin in Bellinzona on Monday. He was 18 at the time of the alleged offences last year and is accused of planning an attack in the name of Islamic State (IS). Prosecutors say he intended to carry out a knife attack on random victims.
More on this:
RTS article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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