Swiss Abroad

Secret service files prompt muted reaction

This content was published on Jul 4, 2010 However, the public outcry – so far, at least – has been rather subdued, despite strong criticism in the media as well as by some politicians and judges. The federal data and information commissioner, Hanspeter Thür, does not mince his words. “It is a serious matter and it proves that controls have to be improved,”…

Swiss Politics

Polanski extradition decision to be announced

This content was published on Jul 4, 2010 A justice ministry spokesman said an announcement on the extradition request would not be long. However, he declined to elaborate. The 76-year-old film director fled the US in 1978, when he was to be formally sentenced for having sex with a 13-year-old girl. He was arrested last September as he came to receive a lifetime…

Swiss Politics

Secret files report produces fallout

This content was published on Jul 3, 2010 Urs von Daeniken, who has been involved the reorganisation of the Federal Prosecutors Office, will give up his assignment as project manager according to a justice ministry statement on Friday. However, he will keep his post in the administration of the justice ministry. On Wednesday, a parliamentary watchdog body published a report accusing the internal…

Swiss Politics

Killer viruses bound for the Bernese Oberland

This content was published on Jul 3, 2010 With a security level of four – the maximum – the lab is designed for the speedy analysis of deadly pathogens, including those intended for germ warfare. Surrounded by thick metal doors, concrete walls and secure vaults, workers in white jumpsuits and pale blue gloves shuffle around with syringes and petri dishes. Blue tubes link…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet moots tougher sentences for criminals

This content was published on Jul 1, 2010 Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf said experience and public criticism had shown that the system was not working and had failed to convince the general public. The government says it wants to give the courts a broad range of sentencing possibilities – ranging from prison sentences to community work and electric monitoring of convicted criminals. However…

Swiss Politics

Crisis management body to step up activities

This content was published on Jun 30, 2010 The agency, which is part of the Swiss Abroad unit in the foreign ministry, had to step into action 12 times in the first six months of this year following earthquakes in Haiti and Chile as well as kidnappings of Swiss nationals in Asia and Africa. In addition to the task force for emergencies the…

Swiss Politics

Talks show promise in Swiss-Sino relations

This content was published on Jun 29, 2010 Speaking to journalists shortly before leaving for home, Calmy-Rey said human rights had been one of the topics discussed, but she gave no further details. She said that during the “very, very good” talks they had agreed that the meeting had been full of promise for the continuing development of bilateral relations. Calmy-Rey’s three-day trip…

Swiss Politics

Mr Switzerland to be National Day speaker

This content was published on Jun 29, 2010 Jan Bühlmann, who was chosen as Switzerland’s most handsome man in May, will also read out the country’s founding charter in three languages. The main speaker will be Annemarie Huber-Hotz, the former head of the Federal Chancellery, and now the president of the Swiss Charitable Society, SGG. The SGG, which marks its 200th anniversary this…

Swiss Politics

Swiss special forces unit under fire

This content was published on Jun 28, 2010 President Doris Leuthard last week confirmed Switzerland considered sending in “security forces” to rescue two of its citizens who were detained in Libya for more than a year. Some politicians say the “dangerous” commando unit, known as DRA10, should now be dissolved. “It’s a military unit specially designed for interventions abroad. At the beginning we…

Swiss Politics

Steps to boost online privacy mooted

This content was published on Jun 28, 2010 Hanspeter Thür, the Swiss federal data protection commissioner, warns that users who continue to believe that online services are free could be seriously mistaken. “The business system is always the same. Companies provide clients with a new and interesting online service. And clients pay by giving their personal data,” said Thür at the commission’s annual…

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Swiss Abroad

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Secret service files prompt muted reaction

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Polanski extradition decision to be announced

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Secret files report produces fallout

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Killer viruses bound for the Bernese Oberland

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Cabinet moots tougher sentences for criminals

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Crisis management body to step up activities

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Talks show promise in Swiss-Sino relations

More

Mr Switzerland to be National Day speaker

More

Swiss special forces unit under fire

More

Steps to boost online privacy mooted

Popular Stories

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