Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga (right) and the director of the Federal Justice Office, Martin Dumermuth, presented the bill to the media.
Keystone
People convicted of terrorist activities could face up to 20 years in prison according to the Swiss government.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
The proposal, presented by Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga on Friday, is part of a series of measures, to be discussed by parliament. They are aimed at improving international efforts to crack down on terrorism.
They include raising the minimum and maximum sentences, as well as outlawing the financing of terrorism.
“Switzerland must not become a safe haven for sponsors of terrorism,” Sommaruga told a news conference on Wednesday.
The government also wants to make recruiting as well as training of militants and trips for terrorist purposes punishable offences.
The proposed amendments, which are in line with decisions by the Council of Europe and demands by parliament, also aim to speed up legal assistance with other countries.
“It’s crucial not to lose any time in the case of an imminent terrorist attack. Therefore, Switzerland wants to provide information and evidence to other countries as soon as possible,” she explained.
Three steps
The proposals are part of a series of projects to boost the fight against terrorism.
Last year, the national government, the cantons and local authorities approved a programme to combat radicalisation and militant extremism.
In addition, the government has presented a proposal to boost police powers to deal with people deemed potential security threats before they are subject to a criminal investigation.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Why cars still reign supreme in ‘rail-nation’ Switzerland
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
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 underline responsibility in terror financing fight
This content was published on
Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga has said that Switzerland must assume its responsibilities in the fight against terrorism financing.
Government invests in anti-radicalisation projects
This content was published on
The funds, to be spent over five years, are to help kickstart projects to raise awareness, provide counselling and launch information campaigns. This will be done in collaboration with cantonal and municipal authorities as well as civil society, according to the Federal Police Office. The principles of the programme were agreed on and announced last…
Terrorism and financial crimes keep Attorney General busy
This content was published on
The Swiss Attorney General took on 237 new investigations in 2017, mainly linked to international economic crimes and terrorism.
This content was published on
Swiss cautiously welcome proposal to link countries’ data systems and better cooperation with the western Balkans as ways to fight terrorism.
This content was published on
Switzerland is creating a pool of experts to help local authorities deal with suspected jihadist fighters returning from combat zones such as Syria.
Government seeks to boost police anti-terror powers
This content was published on
People not subject to criminal proceedings could still be held under house arrest if deemed a potential terror threat, the government proposes.
Swiss government uncoordinated in terror simulation exercise
This content was published on
A simulation of terrorist acts that included a hostage situation at the UN, an attack on a railway station and a potential nuclear plant leak.
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.