Switzerland pursues dozens of cases against jihadi suspects
Some 13 people have returned to Switzerland from Syria and Iraq.
Keystone
Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is currently pursuing criminal proceedings in some 70 cases linked to jihadi terrorism, including against returning “jihadi travellers”.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jc
Allegations include propaganda and recruiting for terrorist organizations, providing them with funding, and going to fight for them notably in Syria and Iraq.
“Most cases have been opened under Article 2 of the federal law banning Al-Qaeda, Islamic State and associated groups, as well as on suspicion of supporting and belonging to a criminal organisation,” the OAG told Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA on Wednesday.
These investigations have so far given rise to seven judgments and eleven penal orders, according to the OAG.
Swiss newspaper La Liberté reported on Tuesday that all the jihadists who had returned to Switzerland were either in detention or under judicial surveillance by the authorities.
Questioned on this, the OAG said all individuals identified by the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) as returning jihadists either have been or are currently subject to criminal proceedings by the OAG, with the exception of people who were minors at the time of their return.
At least 13 returnees
The FIS said recently that some 20 jihadists with Swiss or dual nationality are currently in the conflict zone in Syria and Iraq. Since 2001 it has recorded 78 departures to Syria and Iraq, 15 to Somalia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and one to the Philippines.
There has been no record of Swiss “jihadi travellers” leaving the country since 2016. The FIS said in November that out of the 93 people recorded as leaving since 2001, 33 people had died (27 deaths confirmed) and 16 had returned to Switzerland (13 cases confirmed).
The Swiss government said in March that Swiss citizens who went to Syria and Iraq to join Islamic State should face trial there if possible. It rejected calls to actively repatriate them.
More
More
Switzerland refuses to repatriate its jihadists
This content was published on
The Swiss government has rejected calls to actively repatriate Islamic militants with Swiss nationality from Syria or Iraq.
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
Glacier collapses burying large parts of Swiss village Blatten
This content was published on
A gigantic avalanche of ice, mud and debris has buried a large part of the village of Blatten after a major glacier collapsed.
Swiss government seeks better labour integration of Ukrainian refugees
This content was published on
The Swiss government has now set a goal of 50% of Ukrainian refugees to be in employment by the end of 2025, compared with 38% at present.
Swiss government greenlights Ruag sale of Leopard tanks to Germany
This content was published on
The defence company Ruag MRO is allowed to sell 71 Leopard 1 battle tanks to Germany. However, the tanks may not be sold to Ukraine.
Foie gras sold in Switzerland must declare painful production process
This content was published on
Starting July 1, the sale of foie gras in Switzerland must make reference to the painful procedures performed on the animal.
Swiss economics minister seeks progress on US tariff negotiations by July
This content was published on
Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin is hoping for results in the tariff negotiations with the US by the beginning of July.
UN weather agency expects new temperature record soon
This content was published on
A new global temperature record is likely to be set in the next five years, according to the World Meteorological Organisation in Geneva.
Geneva proposed as possible site for Ukraine-Russia talks
This content was published on
US special representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has said that Geneva is being considered as a venue for talks between Russia and Ukraine.
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
Young Swiss jihadists given suspended sentences
This content was published on
A court in Switzerland has handed down suspended jail sentences for two teenagers who joined an Islamic militant group in Syria.
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.