Those behind the launch of the referendum on Wednesday include the youth wings of the leftwing Greens, Liberal Greens and Social Democrats, as well as the Pirate Party. They believe that the text of the new law restricts fundamental rights. The referendum committee has three months to collect 50,000 signatures to force a nationwide vote.
At the end of September, parliament adopted the new legislation aimed at preventing terror acts. The reform introduces a provision punishing recruitment, training and travel with a view to committing a terrorist act, as well as financing activities. Those who support criminal or terrorist organisations could face up to ten years’ imprisonment.
Aspects that have caused controversy are counter-terrorism measures that target individuals who pose a threat but are not subject to criminal proceedings. As a preventive measure, they may be obliged to report to a police station at certain times, refrain from travelling abroad, be confined to a specific area or not go to certain places. Some of these measures could apply to Swiss residents as young as 12. It would also be possible to place potentially dangerous persons under house arrest for up to six months, renewable once. The decision would rest with the Federal Office of Police.
In May, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights criticised the government’s draft of the law. It warned that the new law could open the door to arbitrary deprivation of liberty. Others, including the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights and Amnesty International, have also voiced concerns.
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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
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It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
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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 is sending a dangerous signal to the world’
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With its new anti-terror legislation Switzerland could provide a model for authoritarian regimes, warns UN human rights expert Fionnuala Ní Aoláin.
Memorial marks 50th anniversary of Switzerland’s worst terror attack
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The participants, including Ruedi Berlinger, co-organiser of the memorial event and son of the flight captain killed in the crash, laid wreaths and burned 47 candles. On February 21, 1970, Switzerland was shaken when Swissair 330 bound for Tel Aviv crashed shortly after take-off from Zurich, killing everyone on board: 38 passengers and nine crew.…
Can Swiss authorities deal with terrorist attacks?
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The Swiss government, cantons and cities will carry out a 52-hour exercise starting on November 11 on coping with a terrorist threat.
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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.