UN experts criticise Switzerland over anti-terrorism law
The Swiss government’s draft anti-terrorism law, which is being discussed in parliament, violates international human rights standards, and would set a dangerous precedent for the suppression of political dissent worldwide, UN human rights experts have warned.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Keystone-SDA/sb
On Friday, Swiss United Nations special rapporteur on torture, Nils Melzer, and four of his colleagues issued a statementExternal link expressing their regret at the Swiss government’s refusal to change parts of the draft law, which they consider controversial.
“No satisfactory response has been given to our primary concerns about the incompatibility of the bill with human rights and international best practices in counter-terrorism,” they went on.
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.
New definition
The experts are concerned that the draft law’s new definition of “terrorist activity” no longer requires the prospect of any crime at all. They fear it may target “legitimate activities of journalists, civil society and political activists”.
According to existing international standards, terrorism always involves the intimidation or coercion of populations or governments through the threat or perpetration of violence causing death, serious injury or the taking of hostages, the UN experts stated.
Broadening the definition of terrorism “goes far beyond current Swiss domestic law and violates international standards”, they said.
“This excessively expansive definition sets a dangerous precedent and risks serving as a model for authoritarian governments seeking to suppress political dissent including through torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
They also warned against sections of the bill that would give the federal police extensive powers to designate “potential terrorists” and to decide on preventive measures against them without meaningful judicial oversight.
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. In it, she invited “parliamentarians to review the draft law on police counter-terrorism measures in order to ensure that all human rights standards are respected”.
Further criticism has come from Amnesty International which earlier this year condemned the law as “draconianExternal link”.
More
More
Parliament takes next step for anti-terror measures
This content was published on
The House of Representatives has approved new anti-terrorism legislation aimed at preventing extremist violence.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Switzerland edges closer to stricter screening of foreign investments
This content was published on
Foreign investors are set to face greater scrutiny in Switzerland as one parliamentary chamber passes the so-called Lex China bill.
Increase in animal testing in Switzerland last year
This content was published on
Almost 600,000 animals were used in animal experiments in Switzerland in 2023 - an increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year.
Beleaguered Swiss watch industry calls for political support
This content was published on
The Swiss watch industry is going through difficult times as global demand declines and the strong franc piles on the pressure.
This content was published on
Hollywood star Pamela Anderson will be honoured at the Zurich Film Festival for her career and role in the film The Last Showgirl.
Switzerland to host Ukraine mine action conference in October
This content was published on
Together with Ukraine, Switzerland is organising the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) in Lausanne on October 17 and 18.
Switzerland revises pension expenditure downwards by billions
This content was published on
The Swiss government has corrected downwards the projected expenditure on old-age and survivor insurance in 2033 by CHF2.5 billion ($2.66 billion).
Inside Geneva: Humanitarians and counter-terror laws
This content was published on
Humanitarian organisations must talk with everyone in the field, including groups that have been labelled terrorists. How do they do it?
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.