Shredding operation produces political fallout
Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf has defended the shredding of documents relating to an international nuclear smuggling operation.
She told parliament that the destruction of detailed plans for the construction of an atomic bomb was justified in the interests of the country and was in line with international guidelines.
She also said the government would launch a criminal investigation for breach of secrecy regulations after parliamentarians and the media reported on the case.
The defence ministry last week denied allegations that the United States secret service put pressure on the government to shred the documents.
The case first came to light several few weeks ago and involves three Swiss engineers who allegedly supplied parts to Libya’s nuclear weapons programme.
Two of the suspects have been held in detention for nearly four years. They could face charges of violating export laws on war materials.
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