Switzerland must examine the human rights situation when issuing extradition orders and not rely solely on prior experience with diplomatic assurances given by Moscow, the Federal Court has said.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/gw
Русский
ru
Швейцария: российские гарантии прав человека недостаточны
In a ruling published on Monday, the court accepted the appeal made by a former Russian banker whose extradition had been approved by the Swiss authorities in 2019. In that year alone, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) dealt with 198 cases concerning Russia, the court pointed out, and found that Russia violated the European Convention on Human Rights in 186 cases.
The Swiss judges also referred to the fate of Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer who died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after bringing to light a corruption scandal.
Following legislative and constitutional amendments, the Russian Constitutional Court can now prevent the implementation of ECHR decisions, the Swiss court added.
The Federal Criminal Court will now have to take another look at Russian guarantees, and to produce reports or a concrete description of measures taken by Russia to ensure respect for the guarantees made on human rights. It is also compelled to address the rulings made by the ECHR and to look at the system of guarantees in other countries, before issuing any new decisions.
Popular Stories
More
Banking & Fintech
Luxury heir claims his CHF11 billion Hermès fortune has vanished
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Swiss investigate four people linked to Russian oligarch
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland is investigating four individuals linked to Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov.
Swiss government scrambles to deal with egg shortage
This content was published on
From September 1, more eggs intended for consumption may be imported into Switzerland. In allowing this, the government wants to secure the supply of eggs for consumers.
This content was published on
Agricultural research sees new development opportunities for Swiss sparkling wines in the face of declining wine consumption. In a survey, half of consumers expressed a willingness to pay more for local products than for foreign ones.
Locarno spotlights filmmakers from South America and Caribbean
This content was published on
The Open Doors section of the Locarno Film Festival has named the winners for 2024. The spotlight is on the South American and Caribbean regions.
Storm paralyses trains to popular Swiss tourist resort
This content was published on
The railway line between Zweilütschinen and Grindelwald in central Switzerland is expected to remain closed until Friday following heavy rains.
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 prosecutor to shut down Russian money laundering probe
This content was published on
For nine years, Swiss prosecutors have been investigating allegations that Russian officials defrauded the investment fund Hermitage Capital. Some CHF18 million related to the probe has been frozen in Swiss banks, but it now looks like most of this amount will be returned to Russia. The case has drawn international headlines and condemnation following the…
This content was published on
But human rights campaigners say foreigners should not be extradited to nations with poor human rights records on the basis of diplomatic assurances that suspects will not be ill treated or tortured. On Monday the Federal Court rejected an appeal against the extradition of the former head of a London-based shipping company who was arrested…
This content was published on
In 1907 an attack on the police barracks in Zurich and a bomb blast that injured children sparked national outrage. Were the Russians behind it?
This content was published on
Switzerland performs a delicate dance when it comes to promoting business interests, maintaining neutrality and defending human rights.
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.