Prospect of further Swiss sanctions against Iran recedes
Protests have been brutally suppressed in Iran but others have taken place all around the world.
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An influential parliamentary committee had decided against Switzerland adopting more sanctions against Iran on human rights grounds.
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate voted against a motion for Switzerland to follow European Union measures in the wake of severe repression of citizens by Iranian security forces.
Iran has witnessed protracted civil unrest following the arrest and death of a woman for not covering her head.
Mahsa Amini died last month while in the custody of the Islamic Republic’s morality police who detained her for “inappropriate attire”, prompting nationwide protests during which women have removed and burnt headscarves.
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Iranian protests test Switzerland’s special status with Iran
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Iran has been rocked by violent protests. This has brought Switzerland’s special role into focus.
Earlier this month, the Swiss government said it would not adopt EU sanctions directed specifically at this repression. The government said it was enough that Switzerland had “clearly condemned the use of force by Iranian security forces” and had “repeatedly called on Iran to comply with its human rights obligations”.
Neutral Switzerland has adopted previous UN and EU sanctions against Iran imposed over the country’s nuclear activities and human rights violations.
This includes banning the export of weapons, nuclear goods and surveillance equipment, and also frozen financial assets of some Iranians linked to the government and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.
On November 2, Switzerland said it has adopted European Union sanctions against an Iranian firm and three top army members for supporting the Russian war against Ukraine.
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Protestors in Bern call for Swiss to toughen stance with Iran
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Several thousand people gathered in front of the federal government building on Saturday demanding a change in Swiss policy towards Iran.
Swiss consider wider EU sanctions on Iran over Amini death
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Switzerland is considering whether to adopt the strengthened EU sanctions against Iran following Tehran’s crackdown against demonstrators.
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