Federal prosecutor Stefan Blättler says he wants to see a Swiss leniency programme for mafia members.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone SDA /sp
“Key witnesses would help us fight the mafia,” Blättler said in an interview with TamediaExternal link newspapers on Friday. He wants to re-open discussions about reducing sentences for mafia members who agree to collaborate with the authorities in criminal procedures.
“These witnesses do not have to be acquitted,” Blättler added, arguing that a mitigation of five years in prison instead of 15 would get them to talk and help with investigations.
After being elected as federal prosecutor last year, Blättler has decided to focus on investigations into the war in Ukraine and the fight against the mafia, which he says cannot be entirely left in the hands of the Italians.
In the interview he said the responsibility cannot be always transferred to Italy, because “an increasing number of suspects have Swiss passports”. Despite admitting that leniency is not a panacea, Blättler believed it would help fight the mafia, as is the case in Italy.
Since the mafia is a closed society, it’s particularly hard to send in undercover agents, especially Swiss ones. So having people on the inside could prove successful: these would be mafia members who have been charged but have now decided to collaborate with the police. “In Italy, these pentiti, the repentant, are of great use to law enforcement,” he explained.
Blättler also admitted that the idea of reduced sentences is morally unattractive, but he said Switzerland has two choices: “Either do nothing or make concessions that affect our sense of justice.”
The federal prosecutor’s request is not new. Blättler’s predecessor, Michael Lauber, suggested the same move, but the Swiss parliament rejected leniency in 2017. “That was 2017, now we are in 2023,” Blättler said.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Politics
In Switzerland, New Year brings ‘burqa ban’ and pension hikes
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
Swiss scientists discover unusual zones in Earth’s mantle
This content was published on
Using high-resolution models to study the Earth's mantle, scientists have identified zones of rocks in the lower mantle that are colder, or have a different composition, than surrounding rocks.
Egyptian diplomat’s murder: prosecutor calls for acquittal of defendant’s girlfriend
This content was published on
The Swiss attorney general has called for the girlfriend of the main defendant in the case of the assassination of an Egyptian diplomat in Geneva in 1995 to be acquitted. The woman is charged with complicity.
Low-cost e-tailers Temu and Shein put Swiss retail sector under pressure
This content was published on
Most Swiss retailers are concerned by the stiff competition from China's low-cost online platforms Temu and Shein, according to a survey.
This content was published on
More and more offices are standing empty in Switzerland's major cities. Nevertheless, new office constructions are likely to increase in the future, a study shows.
Zoos should consider culling surplus animals to regulate populations, say researchers
This content was published on
Researchers from the University of Zurich say zoos must rethink population management and allow animals to reproduce naturally - zoos should then cull surplus animals.
Swiss billionaire Martin Haefner creates foundation
This content was published on
Martin Haefner, owner of the car importer Amag and one of Switzerland's richest citizens, has set up a foundation with his wife Marianne.
Swiss army cuts uniform distribution to save millions
This content was published on
Members of the Swiss Armed Forces will only receive a distinctive grey dress uniform, the famous "Tenü A", for representational purposes in the future as a cost-cutting measure to save CHF55 million.
Swiss, Danish tourists among three dead in Australian plane crash
This content was published on
A light aircraft crashed during take-off from a tourist island in Western Australia, killing three people including Swiss and Danish tourists and injuring three others, authorities said on Wednesday.
Presidents of Ukraine and Switzerland discuss future meeting
This content was published on
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Swiss counterpart, Karin Keller-Sutter, have held talks by phone to prepare a future bilateral meeting, it was announced on Wednesday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss and Italian prosecutors set their sights on Calabrian mafia
This content was published on
Swiss and Italian authorities are leading joint investigative operations to crack down on mafiosi, says Italy’s top mafia prosecutor.
This content was published on
The Federal Court has confirmed a 20-year entry ban against a Calabrian 'Ndrangheta mafia boss who was extradited to Italy in 2017.
This content was published on
For journalists covering the dark side of today’s Italy, the EU state remains a dangerous place, says reporter Federica Angeli.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.