The man was charged with doing “military service abroad”, in the context of the campaign against Islamic State which by the end of 2015 had taken large swathes of Syria and Iraq, imposing strict Islamic law. He was accused of joining the People’s Protection Units (YPG), a mainly Kurdish group in Syria and the main component of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The military tribunal in Sion, southwest Switzerland, found that he did travel to the self-proclaimed autonomous region of Rojava for about six months between 2015 and 2016. It also highlighted his sympathy for the Kurdish cause and his internationalist ideals.
However, the court found that the evidence of his involvement in armed combat against the militant Islamic State group was insufficient. The costs of the proceedings and lawyer’s fees are to be borne by the federal government.
Under Swiss military criminal law, foreign service – such as being a mercenary – can be punished with a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine.
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?
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.
UN weather agency expects new temperature record soon
This content was published on
A new global temperature record is likely to be set in the next five years, according to the World Meteorological Organisation in Geneva.
Geneva proposed as possible site for Ukraine-Russia talks
This content was published on
US special representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has said that Geneva is being considered as a venue for talks between Russia and Ukraine.
This content was published on
A court in Switzerland has handed down suspended jail sentences for two teenagers who joined an Islamic militant group in Syria.
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.