More young people convicted for violent crimes, fewer for drugs
The number of juvenile convictions for violating the Criminal Code increased in Switzerland last year. While convictions for traffic offences have risen, the number for drug offences has fallen sharply.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Español
es
Más jóvenes sentenciados por delitos violentos, menos por drogas
A total of 20,902 convictions – 7.5% more than in 2020 – were handed down against young people last year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on TuesdayExternal link.
Minors committed more crimes than before in practically all areas of the Criminal Code. Among other things, they were convicted more frequently of violent and property crime. The number of registered offences against sexual integrity has doubled within three years from 419 to 837.
There were also significantly more juvenile convictions for road traffic violations: 4,458, or 15.4% more than in 2020. The majority of these were for speeding. Convictions for serious traffic violations increased from 94 to 142.
One of the few crimes with a decreasing trend is the falsification of identity cards. Over the past three years the number of convictions here has fallen by almost half.
Fewer drugs offences
Also, the number of juvenile convictions for offences against the Narcotics Act decreased from 4,572 in 2020 to 3,541. This is not a new development. According to the FSO, a gradual decline of almost 40% has been observed since 2017.
Convictions were also handed out for violating the Weapons Act, the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and the Passenger Transport Act, among others. The latter accounted for half of these sentences, with most involving travelling without a valid ticket.
In about a third of the 20,902 convictions the person received a caution. In another third the person had to carry out a service, such as attending a course or doing community work. A fine or imprisonment, possible for people aged 15 and older, were imposed in 27.5% and 4.4% of cases, respectively. In 2021, 1,038 young people were placed in foster care.
More
How far is Switzerland in decriminalising drugs?
Switzerland stands out for its innovative approach to the problem of drug addiction.
This content was published on
Switzerland's economy grew slightly at the start of 2024, with growth in the service sector contrasting with weak growth in industry.
Swiss employment rate rises in first quarter of 2023
This content was published on
The number of women and foreign nationals in employment increased particularly strongly, the Federal Statistical Office said on Thursday.
Coercion still an issue in Swiss welfare system, report finds
This content was published on
The rights of vulnerable people are still sometimes disregarded by the Swiss welfare system, a national research programme has found.
This content was published on
Viola Amherd has expressed her “deep shock” at the assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday.
This content was published on
A man injured half a dozen people with knives, two of them seriously, before being arrested on Wednesday in northern Switzerland.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
This content was published on
Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
This content was published on
The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
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
Opioid abuse on the rise in Switzerland
This content was published on
Cases of opioid poisoning have almost tripled in Switzerland over the past 20 years, although the full extent of the situation is unclear.
Fewer Swiss criminal convictions probably due to pandemic
This content was published on
The Covid-19 pandemic is suspected of having played a role in a significant drop in criminal convictions in Switzerland last year.
This content was published on
Convictions for drug abuse among minors dropped last year in Switzerland, but young people committed more violent crimes, according to official data.
This content was published on
When compared with many other countries, Switzerland tends to hand down shorter sentences, particularly for violent crime.
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.