Mosque in state-subsidised centre ‘performed illegal forced marriages’
A Swiss mosque, housed in a religious centre that receives state grants, has been accused of playing a role in forcing women into marriages against their will.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Português
pt
Mesquita subsidiada pelo estado acusada de realizar casamentos forçados ilegais
Swiss public broadcaster SRF uncovered evidence of forced marriages at a mosque in the House of Religions centre in the Swiss capital, Bern.
SRF’s “Echo der Zeit” programme heard from a young woman, identified under the assumed name ‘Laura’, who was forced into a wedding ceremony at the mosque against her wishes.
Laura is now under police protection and is among 350 women who seek help from the authorities every year in Switzerland after being forced into marriages.
The actual number of illegal forced marriages is believed to be much higher and often involve refugees who have fled war-torn countries.
The particular instance of forced marriage highlighted by SRF is particularly sensitive as it was performed in a centre designed to bring several religions under one roof.
The House of Religions was set up in Bern in 2014 to promote tolerance among different faiths. It receives a CHF300,000 ($318,000) annual grant from the Bernese authorities.
A House of Religions spokesperson said she was “stunned” and “outraged” that women were being coerced into wedlock under its roof.
A preliminary investigation has questioned whether the Imam of the mosque sufficiently checked whether all marriages met Swiss legal standards.
More
More
Bringing the world’s religions together in Bern
This content was published on
With the tip of his spatula, an artist perfects the round of the shoulder of Ganesh. The small god with the elephant head is seated on the knee of Shiva, one of the great Hindu deities. At the foot of the construction, another artist prepares mortar, the noise of his mixing machine drowning out the…
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
Parliament cracks down on forced marriages
This content was published on
The Senate followed the House of Representatives tightening the law, notably banning marriages to minors. The minimum age for marriage in Switzerland is 18. Senator Christine Egerszegi, spokeswoman for the committee on political institutions, said there was broad agreement in parliament that measures to combat such marriages were urgent. “It is a crime and always…
This content was published on
Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga presented the results of the study in Bern on Thursday. Researchers found 348 cases of forced marriage in which a woman was put under pressure to marry against her will, largely for reasons having to do with cultural expectations and family pressures. In 384 cases a young woman was found to…
This content was published on
Marriages involving minors must be annulled, according to Swiss law. Exceptions are permitted if it seems to be in the child’s best interests.
This content was published on
With the tip of his spatula, an artist perfects the round of the shoulder of Ganesh. The small god with the elephant head is seated on the knee of Shiva, one of the great Hindu deities. At the foot of the construction, another artist prepares mortar, the noise of his mixing machine drowning out the…
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.