Council of States committee wants to expel Russian spies more consistently
Published: Friday, Apr 12th 2024, 16:00
العودة إلى البث المباشر
The Federal Council should expel Russian and other foreign spies from the country more consistently. After the National Council, the responsible Council of States committee is also calling for this. Regardless of the outcome of the case, the Federal Council wants to continue to examine each case individually.
By 8 votes to 4, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council of States (FAC-S) recommended the adoption of a motion by its sister committee in the National Council, as reported by the parliamentary services on Friday. The large chamber approved the motion in the winter session by 103 votes to 74 with 19 abstentions.
If the small chamber also approves the proposal, the Federal Council must consistently expel all foreign nationals who endanger Switzerland's internal or external security or Switzerland's role as a host state through prohibited intelligence activities and who cannot be prosecuted.
In the opinion of the majority of the APK-S, illegal activities jeopardize the protected dialogue spaces provided in particular by International Geneva, as stated in the press release. In addition, these activities could pose a risk to Switzerland's diplomatic interests and the individuals targeted. The removal mechanisms for persons who cannot be prosecuted should therefore be expanded, without, however, dispensing with a case-by-case examination.
Intelligence service activities can already be prosecuted today. Prohibited intelligence services are punishable in Switzerland. According to the communication, the Commission minority does not see what added value the motion would bring compared to the Federal Council's current practice. It is also of the opinion that no automatic expulsion mechanism should be introduced in this area.
Defense Minister Viola Amherd made it clear in the National Council that, even if the motion is accepted, a case-by-case examination and decision would still be made in order to take due account of the specific circumstances and Switzerland's interests.
©كيستون/إسدا
Arabic 
English 
German 
French 
Spanish