On 4 September 2024, Switzerland’s Federal Council told parliament that it wants the organisation Hamas banned in Switzerland for five years, reported RTS. In addition, the ban would cover organisations connected to Hamas so that they cannot be used as cover for the group. Groups acting on Hamas’ orders would also be included. The Federal […]
Swiss court hands heavy sentences to accused 1MDB fraudsters
Two directors of the company Petrosaudi were given heavy sentences this week by Switzerland’s federal criminal court in Bellinzona, reported RTS. The court ordered two men to repay the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB nearly two billion US dollars, an amount made up of the missing US$ 1.75 billion plus 5% interest. In addition, they […]
Parents of Swiss jihadist in court accused of financing terrorism
On Monday, the parents of a Swiss jihadist appeared in court charged with financing terrorism. They were accused of sending more than CHF 50,000 to their son while he was in Syria, reported RTS. Switzerland’s federal prosecutor accused the man’s 70 year old father and 60 year old mother of funding terrorism. The prosecutor described […]
Government advises Swiss to leave Lebanon
On 31 July 2024, Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) advised all Swiss nationals to leave Lebanon. In addition, it advised against travel to the country. Middle eastern conflict, which has been highly volatile since 7 October 2023, has had a significant impact on the security situation in Lebanon, wrote the agency. There have […]
Switzerland to return to Afghanistan
Switzerland will reopen its humanitarian office in Afghanistan in autumn 2024 instead of summer as initially announced, reported SRF. Four employees will be sent from Switzerland to oversee humanitarian projects financed by the Swiss federal government in the Afghan capital Kabul. According to the newspaper NZZ am Sonntag, a spokesperson for Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry confirmed […]
Switzerland to spend 300 million defending Schengen borders
From 1 August 2024, Switzerland will begin contributing to a fund supporting the protection of the borders of the Schengen zone, a group of European nations with combined land borders of 8,000 km and sea borders of 43,000 km, reported RTS. A total of CHF 300 million has been budgeted to cover the period between […]
NATO to open an office in Geneva
NATO has signed an agreement with Switzerland to open an office in Geneva, reported RTS. The new office will be similar to ones in New York and Vienna and is the fruit of discussions that began in 2022. NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization) says it is opening the liaison office to facilitate exchanges with […]
Former Swiss president to head Council of Europe
On 25 June 2024, Alain Berset was elected the new secretary general of the Council of Europe. Six months ago, Berset was a member of Switzerland’s cabinet, known as the Federal Council. in 2023, he was also Switzerland’s president. The Council of Europe is a European organisation focused on upholding human rights, democracy and the […]
Swiss parliament votes against moving closer to NATO
Defence Minister Viola Amherd and Army Chief Thomas Süssli want to bring Switzerland closer to NATO, reported SRF. Historically, Switzerland’s interaction with NATO has been limited to peace support operations. In 1996, it started collaborating on the Peace Partnership, and in 1999 Switzerland joined the Kosovo Force led by NATO. Switzerland currently takes part in […]
Swiss parliament votes to send failed Eritrean refugees to another African nation
For many years, Eritrea has refused to take back citizens failing to qualify as refugees. This week, Switzerland’s parliament voted in favour of sending them to another African nation, reported SRF. This week, Petra Gössi (PLR/FDP) put forward a motion that calls on the Federal Council to conclude a transit agreement with a suitable third […]
