The Middle East country is seeking to quell weeks of demonstrations and rioting by publicly hanging protesters.
The situation could be worse but for the intervention of the Swiss embassy in Tehran, Livia Leu told the SonntagZeitung newspaper on Sunday.
“We have communicated unequivocally that the executions are unacceptable and must be stopped immediately,” said Leu. “We have already been able to make things happen: thanks to our intervention, for example, death sentences against minors were not carried out.”
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Iranian protests test Switzerland’s special status with Iran
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Iran has been rocked by violent protests. This has brought Switzerland’s special role into focus.
Leu was Swiss ambassador in Tehran between 2009 and 2013 and is now Switzerland’s chief negotiator with the European Union.
Switzerland has retained direct diplomatic relations with Iran and represents United States and Saudi Arabia interests in Tehran – so-called ‘protecting power’ mandates.
No further sanctions
Iran has witnessed protracted civil unrest following the arrest and death of a woman for not covering her head.
Mahsa Amini died in September while in the custody of the Islamic Republic’s morality police who detained her for “inappropriate attire”, prompting nationwide protests during which women have removed and burnt headscarves.
“We do not participate in those sanctions that could jeopardise our open and critical dialogue with the authorities,” said Leu.
“Parliament has enshrined in law that Switzerland is committed to peacebuilding, and this is also stipulated in the constitution. If you want Switzerland to continue its good offices, you have to be able to accept that it is a bit more discreet and seeks contact with all sides.”
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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
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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.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
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The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
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PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
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The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
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The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
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Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
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Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
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Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
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A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
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For many years Switzerland was able to increase its prosperity discreetly under the cover of neutrality. But times are changing.
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