More young people convicted for violent crimes, fewer for drugs
The number of juvenile convictions for violating the Narcotics Act continues to drop
Keystone / Justin Tang
The number of juvenile convictions for violating the Criminal Code increased in Switzerland last year. While convictions for traffic offences have risen, the number for drug offences has fallen sharply.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Español
es
Más jóvenes sentenciados por delitos violentos, menos por drogas
A total of 20,902 convictions – 7.5% more than in 2020 – were handed down against young people last year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on TuesdayExternal link.
Minors committed more crimes than before in practically all areas of the Criminal Code. Among other things, they were convicted more frequently of violent and property crime. The number of registered offences against sexual integrity has doubled within three years from 419 to 837.
There were also significantly more juvenile convictions for road traffic violations: 4,458, or 15.4% more than in 2020. The majority of these were for speeding. Convictions for serious traffic violations increased from 94 to 142.
One of the few crimes with a decreasing trend is the falsification of identity cards. Over the past three years the number of convictions here has fallen by almost half.
Fewer drugs offences
Also, the number of juvenile convictions for offences against the Narcotics Act decreased from 4,572 in 2020 to 3,541. This is not a new development. According to the FSO, a gradual decline of almost 40% has been observed since 2017.
Convictions were also handed out for violating the Weapons Act, the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and the Passenger Transport Act, among others. The latter accounted for half of these sentences, with most involving travelling without a valid ticket.
In about a third of the 20,902 convictions the person received a caution. In another third the person had to carry out a service, such as attending a course or doing community work. A fine or imprisonment, possible for people aged 15 and older, were imposed in 27.5% and 4.4% of cases, respectively. In 2021, 1,038 young people were placed in foster care.
More
How far is Switzerland in decriminalising drugs?
Switzerland stands out for its innovative approach to the problem of drug addiction.
Swiss central banker wants to boost equity to head off risks
This content was published on
Equity levels at the Swiss National Bank (SNB) are much too low for the risks its large balance sheet poses, according to Martin Schlegel.
Beer sales in Switzerland watered down by bad weather
This content was published on
The past brewing year fell through in Switzerland, partly due to the bad weather. Beer sales shrank again. For the first time, per capita consumption fell below the 50 liter mark.
Compensation for Syrian after pregnant wife denied help on Swiss train
This content was published on
Switzerland’s Federal Court has partially upheld the appeal of a Syrian family being deported from Switzerland to Italy in 2014. The man now also receives compensation.
Swiss-EU negotiations: Cassis to meet Sefcovic in Bern
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Maros Sefcovic, in Bern 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
Opioid abuse on the rise in Switzerland
This content was published on
Cases of opioid poisoning have almost tripled in Switzerland over the past 20 years, although the full extent of the situation is unclear.
Fewer Swiss criminal convictions probably due to pandemic
This content was published on
The Covid-19 pandemic is suspected of having played a role in a significant drop in criminal convictions in Switzerland last year.
This content was published on
Convictions for drug abuse among minors dropped last year in Switzerland, but young people committed more violent crimes, according to official data.
This content was published on
When compared with many other countries, Switzerland tends to hand down shorter sentences, particularly for violent crime.
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.