Nora Illi, a controversial public figure who co-founded the Swiss Central Islamic Council (SCIS), died on Monday at the age of 35, after a long illness.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/swissinfo.ch/dos
Perhaps Switzerland’s most widely publicised convert to Islam, Illi often attracted attention for her views, including her support of polygamy and her praise for people who travelled to Syria to wage “holy war”.
Originally from Zurich, Illi converted to Islam in 2002, aged 18, after a trip to Dubai. Prior to this, she had been a punk and had also been interested in Buddhism.
Along with her former husband, Qaasim Illi, she became active in the SCIS, a group which has also attracted controversy for its Salafist and extremist links. In 2017, Qaasim Illi and two other members of the group were indicted by the Office of the Attorney General for breaking the federal law banning support for Al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and associated organisations.
In 2006, on the day that canton Ticino enacted a law banning the wearing of full-faced veil covering, Illi travelled to Locarno wearing a niqab to be arrested in front of the cameras.
In 2016, during a debate on the German television channel ARD, she said that the young people going to Syria to fight in the war were demonstrating “civil courage”.
She held the role of director of feminine affairs in the SCIS. Acknowledging Illi’s passing on Tuesday, the organisation wrote that she is survived by six children and her husband.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
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.
Read more
More
Switzerland’s controversial Islamic leaders
This content was published on
The recent expulsion of Swiss Imam Hani Ramadan from France is a reminder that Switzerland is home to several controversial Muslims.
This content was published on
With a burka ban coming into force in part of Switzerland on Friday, we asked three Swiss women why they decided to become Muslims.
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.