Rantburg

Today's Front Page   View All of Fri 03/29/2024 View Thu 03/28/2024 View Wed 03/27/2024 View Tue 03/26/2024 View Mon 03/25/2024 View Sun 03/24/2024 View Sat 03/23/2024
2020-09-14 Europe
Switzerland: Draft anti-terrorism law sets ‘dangerous precedent', rights experts warn
[UN News] The draft legislation, currently before the Swiss Parliament, expands the definition of terrorism and no longer requires the prospect of any crime at all, they said, in a plea for a last-minute reversal by legislators.

Citing international standards, the experts defined terrorism as the intimidation or coercion of populations or governments through violence that causes death or serious injury, or the taking of hostages.

Under the bill, "terrorist activity" may encompass even lawful acts aimed at influencing or modifying the constitutional order, such as legitimate activities of journalists, civil society and political activists.

"Expanding the definition of terrorism to any non-violent campaign involving the spreading of fear goes far beyond current Swiss domestic law and violates international standards", said the experts, all of whom were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council.

"This excessively expansive definition sets a dangerous precedent and risks serving as a model for authoritarian governments seeking to suppress political dissent including through torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

Other sections of the draft law have also raised concerns, such as those giving the federal police extensive authority to designate "potential terrorists" and to decide preventive measures against them.

EXPERTISE DECLINED
The rights experts had earlier written to the Swiss authorities, expressing their concerns about the incompatibility of the bill with human rights and international best practices in counter-terrorism. However, no changes were implemented.

"While we recognize the serious security risks posed by terrorism, we very much regret that the Swiss authorities have declined this opportunity to benefit from our technical assistance and expertise on how to combine effective preventive measures with respect for human rights", they said.

 The experts called on Swiss parliamentarians to keep in mind their country’s traditionally strong commitment to human rights, urging them to reject a law which "is bound to become a serious stain on Switzerland’s otherwise strong human rights legacy."
Posted by Besoeker 2020-09-14 06:13|| || Front Page|| [1 views ]  Top

#1 The United Nations condemnation is simply a bellwether indicating the Swiss are pursuing the correct course of action.
Posted by Besoeker 2020-09-14 06:19||   2020-09-14 06:19|| Front Page Top

#2 "rights experts" Can f&ck off
Posted by Frank G 2020-09-14 06:41||   2020-09-14 06:41|| Front Page Top

#3 I'm all for civil rights so I am concerned when the government takes it upon itself to outlaw "wrong-think" aka " designate "potential terrorists"

All in all this seems too Orwellian.
Posted by AlanC 2020-09-14 07:19||   2020-09-14 07:19|| Front Page Top

#4 Swiss caved in with their bank secrecy laws years ago, and now this. Well, let's see if direct democracy works.
Posted by Clem 2020-09-14 07:24||   2020-09-14 07:24|| Front Page Top

#5 I wonder whom we might call to get a copy of their "draft legislation" sent to President Trump ?
Posted by Besoeker 2020-09-14 07:43||   2020-09-14 07:43|| Front Page Top

#6 If the UN is against it then it's a good idea.
Posted by Lumpy Slomoting3095 2020-09-14 09:06||   2020-09-14 09:06|| Front Page Top

#7 Under the bill, "terrorist activity" may encompass even lawful acts aimed at influencing or modifying the constitutional order, such as legitimate activities of journalists, civil society and political activists.

We need some.
Posted by Skidmark 2020-09-14 10:37||   2020-09-14 10:37|| Front Page Top

14:30 DooDahMan
14:28 NoMoreBS
14:28 DooDahMan
14:27 Grom the Reflective
14:20 USN, Ret.
14:15 Grom the Reflective
14:11 Grom the Reflective
14:08 Procopius2k
14:05 trailing wife
14:03 Frank G
14:01 magpie
13:56 DarthVader
13:40 M. Murcek
13:39 Whiskey Mike
13:36 Dale
13:20 irish+rage+boy
13:16 Grom the Reflective
13:16 DarthVader
12:58 trailing wife









Paypal:
Google
Search WWW Search rantburg.com