Russia ahs been widely condemned for targeting both civilians and journalists during its invasion of Ukraine.
Keystone / Roman Pilipey
The Swiss foreign ministry has berated Russia for targeting the media during its invasion of Ukraine. Several reporters have complained of being attacked by Russian forces, including a Swiss journalist who was injured and robbed this week.
Russia has placed heavy restrictions on media reporting of the invasion and has passed a law threatening to jail journalists for 15 years if they criticise the military action. Several foreign news outlets have stopped operating within Russia as a result.
“Switzerland condemns the tightening of restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom in Russia – including the blocking of social media and websites of independent media. Any form of disinformation must be rejected,” read a foreign ministry tweet on Tuesday.
The tweet also condemned the treatment of journalists in Ukraine by Russian armed forces. “Switzerland is also concerned about attacks on media workers in Ukraine and calls for compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights.”
A passport, 3,000 euros in cash, personal belongings, a helmet, photographic equipment and a laptop were allegedly taken from him.
Even before the Ukraine invasion Russia was ranked 150th out of 180 in a press freedom index by the organisation Reporters Without Borders. Since the conflict, social media such as Twitter and Facebook have been blocked in Russia.
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.
Switzerland listed as ‘unfriendly’ country by Russia
This content was published on
Moscow published the list on Monday after being hit by Western financial sanctions. All corporate deals with companies and individuals from the so-called “unfriendly countries” now have to be approved by a government commission, according to Reuters. The list follows a presidential decree on March 5 allowing the Russian government, companies and citizens to temporarily…
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.