More young people convicted for violent crimes, fewer for drugs
The number of juvenile convictions for violating the Narcotics Act continues to drop
Keystone / Justin Tang
The number of juvenile convictions for violating the Criminal Code increased in Switzerland last year. While convictions for traffic offences have risen, the number for drug offences has fallen sharply.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Español
es
Más jóvenes sentenciados por delitos violentos, menos por drogas
A total of 20,902 convictions – 7.5% more than in 2020 – were handed down against young people last year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on TuesdayExternal link.
Minors committed more crimes than before in practically all areas of the Criminal Code. Among other things, they were convicted more frequently of violent and property crime. The number of registered offences against sexual integrity has doubled within three years from 419 to 837.
There were also significantly more juvenile convictions for road traffic violations: 4,458, or 15.4% more than in 2020. The majority of these were for speeding. Convictions for serious traffic violations increased from 94 to 142.
One of the few crimes with a decreasing trend is the falsification of identity cards. Over the past three years the number of convictions here has fallen by almost half.
Fewer drugs offences
Also, the number of juvenile convictions for offences against the Narcotics Act decreased from 4,572 in 2020 to 3,541. This is not a new development. According to the FSO, a gradual decline of almost 40% has been observed since 2017.
Convictions were also handed out for violating the Weapons Act, the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and the Passenger Transport Act, among others. The latter accounted for half of these sentences, with most involving travelling without a valid ticket.
In about a third of the 20,902 convictions the person received a caution. In another third the person had to carry out a service, such as attending a course or doing community work. A fine or imprisonment, possible for people aged 15 and older, were imposed in 27.5% and 4.4% of cases, respectively. In 2021, 1,038 young people were placed in foster care.
More
How far is Switzerland in decriminalising drugs?
Switzerland stands out for its innovative approach to the problem of drug addiction.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Zurich arbitration authority rules in favour of tenants of ‘Sugus Houses’
This content was published on
A conciliation authority says the terminations of 105 flat leases in the so-called "Sugus Houses" in the centre of Zurich were abusive. The tenants therefore do not have to move out - at least for the time being.
This content was published on
Visitors to Switzerland spent CHF19.6 billion ($23.9 billion) last year, a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Monday.
This content was published on
Despite the current tense economic situation, Swiss consumer sentiment remains positive. The Swiss spent more money in May than the previous year, particularly on restaurant visits and leisure activities, as shown by the latest figures released by PostFinance.
This content was published on
A bear killed four sheep in the Lower Engadine region near Scuol, canton Graubünden, last week. This was the first bear attack on local livestock in four years.
This content was published on
Experts believe that economic development in Switzerland will be weaker in 2026 than the forecasts made three months ago. They have also lowered their predictions for the current year.
This content was published on
Fewer people in Switzerland have a religious affiliation and the proportion who practice their religion regularly is steadily declining, a survey finds.
Study: trees have major cooling effect even in extreme heat
This content was published on
Plane trees in cities have an important cooling effect even in extreme heat, according to a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
EPFL launches digitised version of Battle of Murten panorama
This content was published on
To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Murten on 22 June 1476, the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a website that offers the public an immersive experience of the huge panorama painting of the historic battle.
77th Swiss Gymnastics Festival praised for ‘positive energy’
This content was published on
The 77th Federal Gymnastics Festival drew to a close on Sunday in Lausanne, after eleven days of popular celebration and sporting performances.
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
Opioid abuse on the rise in Switzerland
This content was published on
Cases of opioid poisoning have almost tripled in Switzerland over the past 20 years, although the full extent of the situation is unclear.
Fewer Swiss criminal convictions probably due to pandemic
This content was published on
The Covid-19 pandemic is suspected of having played a role in a significant drop in criminal convictions in Switzerland last year.
This content was published on
Convictions for drug abuse among minors dropped last year in Switzerland, but young people committed more violent crimes, according to official data.
This content was published on
When compared with many other countries, Switzerland tends to hand down shorter sentences, particularly for violent crime.
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.