The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Petition demands a halt to cocaine tests on monkeys

University building with trees
The University of Fribourg says it is authorized to do scientific research on monkeys. Keystone

A petition demanding an immediate halt to tests on live monkeys at Fribourg University has been handed in to the Fribourg cantonal parliament. 

The online petition was launched by the Swiss League Against Animal Testing LSCVExternal link and gathered 19,000 signatures in two weeks from citizens demanding an end to tests that involve giving cocaine to primates. 

The initiative follows recent reports in Swiss media of experiments using live monkeys at two Swiss universities. According to the reports, primates at the University of Fribourg are given cocaine before being subjected to a neurosurgical process to try to cure their addiction. 

+ Read more about animal testing in Switzerland 

The University of Fribourg says the project has received all the necessary ethical, veterinary, and government authorisations. 

But the LSCV is calling for an independent scientific expert report. It says it is willing to cover the costs provided the expert chosen is truly independent.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Keller-Sutter and Macron discuss US tariffs in Paris

More

Swiss and French presidents discuss US tariffs

This content was published on Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter has met French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the EU treaties and geopolitical challenges. US tariffs were also part of the bilateral talks.

Read more: Swiss and French presidents discuss US tariffs
Wetlands in Switzerland are in poor condition

More

Wetlands in Switzerland in poor condition

This content was published on Swiss moors and floodplains are in a poor state. Researchers say further efforts are needed to preserve these biotopes in the long term.

Read more: Wetlands in Switzerland in poor condition
Flight ban for drones during the three Euro games in St. Gallen

More

Drones banned during the three Euro games in St Gallen

This content was published on The St. Gallen government has issued a temporary ban on flying drones around the football stadium in St. Gallen. The measure will apply on three match days of Euro 2025, which starts on Wednesday.

Read more: Drones banned during the three Euro games in St Gallen
Free movement: labour immigration to Switzerland

More

EU nationals come to Switzerland primarily to work

This content was published on Given the demographic slowdown, the Swiss labour market must remain open, argues the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in its annual report on the free movement of people.

Read more: EU nationals come to Switzerland primarily to work
UN expert accuses Glencore of complicity with Israel

More

UN expert accuses Glencore of complicity with Israel

This content was published on The UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories has accused Zug-based Glencore of profiting from an Israeli economy that has become "an economy of genocide".

Read more: UN expert accuses Glencore of complicity with Israel
According to a survey, electricity prices will fall in 2026

More

Swiss electricity prices predicted to fall in 2026

This content was published on Electricity prices in 2026 are likely to be lower than this year, according to a survey. The main reason is the fall in prices on the electricity market.

Read more: Swiss electricity prices predicted to fall in 2026

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR