The House of Representatives has approved new anti-terrorism legislation aimed at preventing extremist violence. But it didn’t approve preventive detention of potential terror offenders.
The Swiss government has proposed new legislation aimed at preventing extremist violence and forcing people deemed a threat, including children aged 12 upwards, to be registered with the authorities. House arrest could also be applied to suspects as a last resort in some cases. The idea is to target people who have not yet committed a crime but who are considered to be a risk.
The draft law has come in for criticism from the United Nations, among others, over potential harm to human rights. However, the House of Representatives on Friday approved the proposed measures by 111 votes to 86, after debate on the law was halted on Thursday evening. The Senate has already given its approval.
Preventive detention not accepted
The House did not accept a proposal from its security committee to toughen the draft law with preventive detention of potential terror offenders (incarceration before trial). This is in line with the position of the government, which has already stated that this would contravene the European Convention on Human Rights.
Preventive detention was one of the aspects of the new law criticized by representatives from the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in a letter to the Swiss government in late May.
In mid-May the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights made her concerns about the draft law clear in a separate letterExternal link. Further criticism has come from Amnesty International which earlier this year condemned the draft law as “draconianExternal link”.
On Tuesday the House of Representatives also accepted measures to tighten criminal law related to terrorism. This would make recruiting, training and travelling with a view to committing a terror act subject to a criminal penalty. Both drafts now go back to the Senate.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Switzerland and EU reach deal on future bilateral relations
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.
Researchers find high microbial diversity in glacial streams
This content was published on
Swiss researchers have discovered a surprising diversity of microorganisms in glacial streams around the world. However, this diversity is under threat as soon as it is discovered.
This content was published on
Fewer electric cars were sold in Switzerland in 2024 compared to the previous year. The electric mobility association Swiss eMobility says this is only a temporary dip.
This content was published on
Sunshine and fresh snow attracted winter sports fans to Swiss ski resorts over the holiday period. Many ski stations reported record figures.
New Year’s speech: President Keller-Sutter praises Swiss modesty
This content was published on
The Swiss president for 2025, Karin Keller-Sutter, has underlined the importance of compromise and modesty in Swiss politics in her New Year’s address to the nation.
Lindt wins ‘chocolate ball’ legal case against Aldi
This content was published on
Chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli has won a legal case against the retailer Aldi Suisse for infringing the trademark rights of its Lindor chocolate balls.
Campaigners want Swiss central bank to hold bitcoin in reserves
This content was published on
Campaigners have launched a people's initiative to oblige the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to hold part of its reserves in bitcoin.
Switzerland welcomes 2025 with fireworks and ice plunges
This content was published on
Fireworks lit up the skies in Switzerland to celebrate New Year's Eve. Some people welcomed the new year by plunging into lakes in freezing temperatures.
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.