Banking secrecy exception proposed for Swiss media
Swiss journalists could in future receive leaked bank data without fear of criminal prosecution if a parliamentary motion is incorporated in banking secrecy legislation.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Italiano
it
Proposta un’eccezione al segreto bancario per i media svizzeri
On Thursday the government supported a proposal from the House of Representatives that the media would be exempt from prosecution if their reporting is deemed in ‘good faith’.
Last year, a Swiss newspaper turned down the offer of leaked ‘Suisse Secrets’ data, which suggested banking links to criminals and corrupt foreign officials. The newspaper feared criminal prosecution if it followed the example of foreign media which accepted the information.
In addition to criticism from international NGOs, left-leaning Swiss parliamentarians also voiced their concern that press freedom is violated by the law.
A House of Representatives commission responded by issuing a motion to “ensure freedom of the press in financial matters”, which was passed by a narrow majority.
The government broadly welcomed the proposal in a written response on Thursday. But the Senate still has to debate and vote on the issue before any changes can be made to the current law.
Switzerland gives CHF60 million to Ukraine for digitalisation
This content was published on
The Swiss government has agreed to give war-ravaged Ukraine CHF58.7 million ($65.5 million) towards the digitalisation of its public administration.
Three people arrested in Switzerland in international drug gang crackdown
This content was published on
International co-operation led to 17 people being arrested in six European countries and large quantities of drugs also being seized.
Federal Council banks on R&D to strengthen Swiss solar industry
This content was published on
The Swiss government opposes the deployment of special industrial policy or measures to help boost the domestic photovoltaic industry.
Swiss president envisions follow-ups to peace summit
This content was published on
Swiss President Viola Amherd hopes the first Ukraine peace conference will build trust and seek solutions for safety and security issues.
This content was published on
With use of drugs such as crack on the rise, the government wants to invest in additional facilities for people suffering from addiction.
Alleged French spy tied to Swiss NGO arrested in Russia
This content was published on
The man, who Russia has claimed was trying to obtain information about the Russian military, was confirmed to be a French citizen working for a Geneva-based NGO.
This content was published on
Plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit are claiming that Switzerland prioritised national interest over its legal obligation to bondholders.
This content was published on
Most Swiss people are planning at least one holiday this year in spite of rising costs and inflation, according to a study.
Italian busted smuggling alcohol in milk and shampoo bottles into Switzerland
This content was published on
An Italian motorhome driver has been caught trying to smuggle 135 litres of pure alcohol disguised in various bottles into Switzerland.
UN rapporteur calls out Switzerland for ‘criminalisation of journalism’
This content was published on
The UN Rapporteur for freedom of expression has criticised Switzerland's banking secrecy laws that result in self-censorship by journalists.
Vast leak alleges Credit Suisse accounts held by corrupt officials and criminals
This content was published on
A global investigation by media outlets has uncovered dozens of accounts at Credit Suisse allegedly held by corrupt officials and criminals.
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.