Kidnap victim plays down anti-vaccine links after shooting drama
A prominent Swiss health official, who was kidnapped and threatened last month, has downplayed media reports that the perpetrator may have been motivated by anti-vaccine sentiments.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
La policía suiza da muerte a presunto secuestrador de funcionario de salud
Christoph Berger, head of Switzerland’s Federal Vaccine Commission, issued a statement on Sunday revealing himself as the victim of a kidnapping on March 31. The suspected perpetrator was shot dead by police during an arrest in Wallisellen, near to Zurich, a week later.
Police said they were forced to open fire after the German national pulled out a firearm and shot dead his female companion.
Several press outlets reported alleged links between the suspect and anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists. These included a 34-year-old man later arrested in connection with the incident.
A court injunction had prevented reporting of the kidnap victim’s name. But Berger decided to name himself in his statement on Sunday.
Berger said he had been held for about an hour by a man demanding a “substantial” amount of money and had been threatened with violence if he did not pay up.
“The focus was therefore solely on the economic interests of the perpetrator. The perpetrator made no reference to my role as President of the Vaccination Commission,” Berger stated.
“I am aware of the great emotional and social tensions that vaccination issues have received over the past two years,” he added.
Berger said he had been advised by police and prosecutors not to release any other details of his ordeal as it is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation.
There has been no statement from police on the possible motive for the kidnap.
The incident has also generated media coverage because fatal shootings, including incidents involving the police, are rare in Switzerland.
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.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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
‘Efforts at police reform are being blocked’
This content was published on
While better training has reduced incidents of racial profiling and violence among Swiss police, what goes on behind closed doors is troubling.
Does Switzerland have fewer police than neighbouring countries?
This content was published on
Increase the number of railway police (currently 300), check people at station entrances, reintroduce conductors on regional trains, introduce a wide range of technology: after the attack on Saturday there is no shortage of ideas on how to increase security. Pierre Maudet, the Geneva councillor in charge of cantonal security, told Swiss public radio, RTS,…
How do the Swiss deal with firearms? Your questions, answered
This content was published on
Amid US gun law debates, we answer your questions about guns in Switzerland, including why a place thought to have so many has few mass shootings.
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.