The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Covid-19 sceptics are getting more radical

Riot police
In response to the threat of violence, riot police are becoming a more common sight in Switzerland. Keystone / Georgios Kefalas

The Swiss authorities are seeing increasingly aggressive responses to measures curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

A report in the Sunday newspaper SonntagsBlickExternal link describes various online chat groups and individuals trying to attract people willing to participate – and even train for – violent protests. Their aggression is aimed at politicians, journalists, and virologists, among others.

“Media houses must burn, as must pharmaceutical companies and 5G towers. Time for action!” called out one user.

More

The Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) is keeping an eye on the situation. “FIS is in contact with the security services of the federal and cantonal governments,” spokewoman Lea Rappo said. Already last November, the Federal Office of Police described the increasingly violent behaviour of Covid-19 deniers as worrying.

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets for silent protests, most recently in Liestal near Basel. Though largely peaceful, some threw bottles and one attacked a journalist last weekend.

More


Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

30-year-old charged with drone flight at Women's European Championships

More

Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025

This content was published on A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.

Read more: Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
257 Swiss companies are members of the SBTi

More

More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative

This content was published on A total of 257 companies from Switzerland have signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). In doing so, they are committing to CO2 reduction targets that are compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Read more: More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative
Chaka Khan 'and friends': an evening that would have pleased Quincy Jones

More

Montreux Jazz Festival honours Quincy Jones

This content was published on American artist Chaka Khan ‘and friends’ opened the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival on Friday. For over three hours, their show, dedicated to their friend and mentor Quincy Jones, thrilled the audience,

Read more: Montreux Jazz Festival honours Quincy Jones

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR