The former Swiss ambassador, Thomas Borer, has accused the media of running a campaign to discredit him.
Keystone/Lukas Lehmann
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has suspended a criminal investigation against a former parliamentarian suspected of corruption over lobbying efforts by Kazakhstan.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ug
The decision, which is subject to appeal, was announced by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung newspaper on Tuesday. The justice authorities have refused to give details on the case.
The inquiry was opened in April last year against Christian Miesch, a former representative of the Swiss People’s Party, and a lobbyist – and former Swiss ambassador – Thomas Borer. Both cases were reportedly dropped based on a decision taken earlier this month.
Miesch was suspected of accepting money – CHF4,635 ($4,637) – in return for trying to serve the interests of Kazakhstan in parliament and lost his parliamentary immunity. He has denied any wrongdoing but stepped down in 2015.
Initially, two other parliamentarians were also involved in the case, but they did not have their immunity from prosecution lifted.
The media coverage of the affair has come in for criticism by one of the accused.
More
More
MPs are the biggest lobbyists in Swiss parliament
This content was published on
Parliamentarians are increasingly, and more aggressively, representing particular interests. It’s a cultural change in the legislature.
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
Swiss scientists reveal the complex craft of prehistoric tattooing
This content was published on
An international research team led by the University of Bern has analysed tattoos on a Siberian glacial mummy that is over 2,000 years old.
Swiss National Bank posts CHF15 billion loss in first half of the year
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) slipped into the red in the first half of 2025 due in particular to the weakening US dollar.
Exiled Russians criticise visit of sanctioned Russian politicians to Geneva
This content was published on
Around 200 Russian opposition figures have sent an open letter protesting the presence of sanctioned Russian politicians in Geneva.
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
Parliamentary immunity lifted in alleged corruption case
This content was published on
A former Swiss parliamentarian has been stripped of his immunity, paving the way for a legal investigation into corruption allegations.
This content was published on
Several recent scandals have highlighted efforts to influence Swiss parliamentarians by the regime of president Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan.
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.