Beatrice Stöckli was kidnapped twice in Mali (pictured here being released in 2012), but was killed by her captors on the second occasion.
Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
The remains of a Swiss women, who had been kidnapped by Islamic terrorists and already declared dead, have been identified in Mali.
Beatrice Stöckli had been taken hostage in Mali in 2016 by the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam wa’l-Muslimin (JNIM). In October of last year the Swiss foreign ministry announced that she had been killed by her captors.
But until now, Stöckli’s body had not been recovered. Her remains were found by the Malian authorities and DNA tests have confirmed her identity, a Swiss government press releaseExternal link announced on Wednesday.
“Sadly, we now have definitive evidence that the woman who was held hostage is dead,” said Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. “But I am also relieved that we can return the woman’s remains to her family and I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to them. I also wish to thank the Malian authorities for their assistance in helping to identify the body.”
Stöckli had lived in Mali for a number of years working with local children. She was kidnapped for the first time in 2012 but was released after a few days in captivity. Four years later, she was snatched for a second time and this time killed.
During a visit to Mali in February, Cassis brought up the case of the still missing Stöckli and called on the authorities to recover her body and clarify the exact circumstances surrounding her death.
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
Spar Switzerland put up for sale by South African owner
This content was published on
Talks with potential buyers of the 360-plus Spar stores in Switzerland are underway, but it’s not clear who’s in the running.
Further villages in Swiss landslide area avoid damage for now
This content was published on
Due to the build-up of a lake behind the debris in Blatten, canton Valais, parts of neighbouring villages have been evacuated as a precaution.
Glacier collapses burying large parts of Swiss village Blatten
This content was published on
A gigantic avalanche of ice, mud and debris has buried a large part of the village of Blatten after a major glacier collapsed.
Swiss government seeks better labour integration of Ukrainian refugees
This content was published on
The Swiss government has now set a goal of 50% of Ukrainian refugees to be in employment by the end of 2025, compared with 38% at present.
Swiss government greenlights Ruag sale of Leopard tanks to Germany
This content was published on
The defence company Ruag MRO is allowed to sell 71 Leopard 1 battle tanks to Germany. However, the tanks may not be sold to Ukraine.
Foie gras sold in Switzerland must declare painful production process
This content was published on
Starting July 1, the sale of foie gras in Switzerland must make reference to the painful procedures performed on the animal.
Swiss economics minister seeks progress on US tariff negotiations by July
This content was published on
Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin is hoping for results in the tariff negotiations with the US by the beginning of July.
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
Twice-kidnapped Swiss woman splits opinion
This content was published on
“We’re dealing with a very delicate case which is very difficult to resolve,” Burkhalter admitted in Le Matin Dimanche newspaper. This is the second time Stöckli has been held hostage in Mali. In 2012, her kidnappers, the jihadist group Ansar Dine, let her go following nine days in captivity. “Her previous release was quick because…
This content was published on
“I can’t talk about it, I’m really in shock,” Stöckli* told the media back in 2012, after her kidnappers, the jihadist group Ansar Dine, let her go following nine days in captivity. She called her mother from the rescue helicopter but didn’t make any promises about coming home, according to statements her mother made to…
This content was published on
The Swiss authorities have confirmed that a Swiss women has been kidnapped in Mali. Reports suggest that the woman, reportedly a Christian missionary, had been abducted by gunmen.
This content was published on
A video released by the al-Qaeda affiliate in North Africa purports to show that Swiss missionary Beatrice Stöckli remained alive.
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.