Short jail terms re-instated in criminal code

Perpetrators can again be sentenced to jail rather than paying fines Keystone

Parliament has decided to re-introduce short-term prison sentences to complement a system of suspended fines as part of efforts to tighten the penal system.

Following approval by the House of Representatives, the Senate on Wednesday adopted a compromise limiting the suspended fines to 180 days, instead of 360 days.

The reform of the criminal code also foresees the use of electronic bracelets under strict conditions instead of jail terms and the right for courts to order the expulsion of criminal foreigners once they have served their jail terms.

Introduced in 2007, the current penal system came in for criticism particularly in cases of defendants convicted of speeding or drug peddling.

Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga has argued a reform of the system is necessary to re-establish confidence in Switzerland’s penal system.

In 2010, Swiss voters approved a right-wing initiative for the automatic expulsion of any foreigner convicted of a crime, regardless of the misdeed. However, implementation of the initiative is still pending.