Most radical Muslims in Switzerland are young men who are poorly integrated in the labour market, the study found.
Imago/westend61
A new survey has found that about 40% of the 130 known Islamist militants in Switzerland receive welfare payments, including unemployment and disability benefits.
Most of them are young men, living in suburban areas notably in the French-speaking part of the country, mainly unemployed and with low professional skills, according to the study published by the Zurich University of Applied SciencesExternal link on Wednesday.
The reportExternal link is an updated version of a 2015 study which used information and analyses provided by the intelligence service.
The authors of the study say the number of jihadists has dropped considerably over the past three years, but the danger of militant activities has remained intact in European countries.
The researchers also recommend adapting the Swiss prison system, notably further training for prison personnel, therapists and social workers, to deal with Islamist militants.
The study points out that the expertise of Muslim imams is useful for prison personnel.
This content was published on
Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Swiss pharma firm Roche, has dismissed fears that sales targets would be under threat by US tariffs.
This content was published on
Researchers are asking the Swiss public for help in naming two newly discovered Swiss fish species of the genus Barbatula.
Science alliance warns against Swiss government’s cost-cutting plans
This content was published on
An alliance of research and science institutions have warned of dire consequences if the Swiss government goes ahead with its austerity package.
Accidents during leisure time on the rise in Switzerland
This content was published on
IN 2024 more people had accidents during leisure time than in the previous year. Some 26% of all sports accidents happened playing football.
This content was published on
Apple's iPhones have gained further market share in Switzerland. Around half of all smartphone owners used a model from the US tech giant last year.
Switzerland receives poor marks in fight against public sector corruption
This content was published on
Switzerland is not improving in the fight against corruption according to the Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International.
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
‘If I can’t return to Switzerland, I’d prefer a bullet in the head’
This content was published on
In northeast Syria, Swiss public television (RTS) interviewed a Swiss jihadist who has been detained by the Kurds since January 2018.
This content was published on
The Swiss government has rejected calls to actively repatriate Islamic militants with Swiss nationality from Syria or Iraq.
This content was published on
Switzerland is creating a pool of experts to help local authorities deal with suspected jihadist fighters returning from combat zones such as Syria.
How politicians would deal with Islamic fundamentalists
This content was published on
Switzerland’s political parties differ in their approaches to coping with Islamic fundamentalism. Some focus on anti-terror, others on integration.
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.