Switzerland’s parliament has officially criminalized stalking, unanimously approving a revised Criminal Code. The new law addresses obsessive harassment, particularly prevalent in marital relationships, allowing for automatic prosecution in such cases. Victims will be required to file complaints regardless of the context. This decision follows prolonged debate regarding the prosecution process and the necessity of victim cooperation.
Following a 2024 House of Representatives vote, the Swiss Senate has approved a ban on the sale of disposable vapes. Concerns regarding the products’ high nicotine content, appealing designs targeting youth, and environmental impact fueled the ban. Despite initial government opposition citing potential trade barriers and a lack of EU-wide action, the ban passed, with the Health Minister ultimately accepting the decision. Several European countries and Swiss cantons have already implemented similar measures.
Three Ukrainian citizens were arrested—two in Germany and one in Switzerland—on suspicion of carrying out sabotage on behalf of Russia. The suspects allegedly planned arson and explosive attacks on German freight transport, potentially including an incident involving a DHL plane. The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, citing the case’s significance. The arrests follow warnings from German intelligence agencies regarding increased Russian espionage and sabotage activities within the country.
Switzerland has frozen CHF7.4 billion ($8.4 billion) in Russian assets, a CHF1.6 billion increase from the previous year. This rise reflects the identification and subsequent freezing of additional assets. Furthermore, 14 real estate properties belonging to sanctioned individuals and entities have been seized. Criminal proceedings have been initiated by the Swiss Attorney General following a SECO investigation, resulting in an additional CHF1.65 billion in super-provisional asset freezes.
Following the European Union’s adoption of a 16th sanctions package against Russia, Switzerland has expanded its own sanctions list. This aligns Switzerland with the EU’s response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The updated sanctions include additional individuals, ships, and banks, and came into effect immediately. Further EU measures are under review for potential adoption by the Swiss government.
Switzerland’s Social Democratic Party vehemently opposes a free trade agreement with the U.S., citing the current geopolitical climate, including U.S. threats of tariffs on EU goods and support for far-right parties. Party leaders Mattea Meyer and Cédric Wermuth argue that prioritizing such a deal would undermine Switzerland’s commitment to European values and democratic principles. Conversely, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs advocates for negotiations, highlighting potential negative impacts on the Swiss pharmaceutical industry from U.S. tariffs. This disagreement highlights a significant political divide within Switzerland regarding its economic relationship with the United States.
Swiss Army Chief Thomas Süssli stated that Switzerland could contribute approximately 200 soldiers to a UN peacekeeping mission on the Ukrainian-Russian border within a year, contingent upon a ceasefire and the consent of both nations. This peacekeeping role, distinct from peace enforcement, would prioritize logistics and medical support, with weapon use restricted to self-defense. The deployment would require government and parliamentary approval, mirroring past Swiss involvement in Kosovo. However, Süssli also cautioned about potential Russian escalation in 2027, a concern heightened by delayed deliveries of advanced military equipment.
The US has implemented new export controls on AI chips, granting unrestricted access only to 18 allied nations, excluding Switzerland. This decision, effective in four months, will limit Switzerland’s access to these crucial chips used extensively in research and industry, despite the presence of US companies and research centers within the country. The US aims to prevent rival nations, particularly China, from obtaining this advanced technology. Swiss officials are engaging with US authorities to address this restriction and secure Switzerland’s status as a trustworthy partner.
The Swiss Federal Council proposes a new law banning public display of Nazi symbols, including swastikas, SS insignia, and coded numerals, citing a recent rise in antisemitic incidents. Violators would face a CHF 200 fine. The proposed legislation, currently under consultation until March 31st, aims to replace the existing, more lenient approach that only prohibits such symbols when used for propaganda. Exemptions for educational, artistic, and journalistic contexts are planned.
Switzerland’s decision to deport a gay Iranian man back to his home country was found to be a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically Article 3 which prohibits inhuman treatment. The European Court of Human Rights determined that the man’s return would expose him to potential harm from his family, third parties, and even the Iranian state due to his sexual orientation. This decision resulted in Switzerland being ordered to pay the man €7,000 in compensation.
John Q. Hosedrinker