A former leader of the far-right Swiss Nationalist Party PNOS (Partei National Orientierter Schweizer), Tobias Steiger, made a speech in 2018 blaming Jews for World War I and II.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/ds
Português
pt
Político de direita processado por observações anti-semitas
On Wednesday, the public prosecutor’s office in Basel sentenced Steiger to pay a fine for those remarks, according to Zurich-based media group Tamedia.
Unless he appeals, the far-right activist will need to pay a fine of CHF2,200 ($2,419) in addition to procedural costs and legal fees of over CHF6,000.
He was also sentenced to a suspended fine of CHF12,800, which he will only have to pay if he breaks the law again.
Steiger told the Keystone-SDA news agency that he is consulting with his lawyer on whether or not to appeal the decision.
The controversial remarks were made during a demonstration in November 2018 in the northwest city of Basel. Steiger, who was the Basel area leader for PNOS, has also questioned the Holocaust on Facebook, according to Keystone-SDA news agency.
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?
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
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 Jews explain Switzerland to Orthodox tourists
This content was published on
In order to avoid cultural misunderstandings, this summer Swiss Jews went to mountain resorts to mediate between locals and Orthodox visitors.
Swiss ‘rightwing extremists’ are armed and visible
This content was published on
The weekly newspaper published photographs of xenophobes trumpeting their views and identities on social networks. Their tattoos leave little room for doubt about their political inclinations. Neither are the symbols, flags or slogans they wield. Rightwing extremists are keeping anything but a low profile in Switzerland. A member of the far-right Swiss Nationalist Party PNOS…
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.