The Hitler salute still not forbidden in Switzerland – The reasons provided by the Federal Council for this decision are not substantive
Bern, 07.07.2010 - The Federal Commission against Racism FCR and the GRA Foundation against Racism and Anti-Semitism are of the opinion that the Federal Government’s decision not to ban the Swastika and Hitler salute will have serious consequences. They criticise the reasoning of the Federal Government, which stated that a ban on racist symbols would be difficult to implement. The FCR and GRA will continue to fight for a ban, in order to ensure Switzerland does not turn into a European refuge for right-wing extremist material.
The Hitler salute, the Swastika and other right-wing extremist symbols may still be displayed, hoarded and/or sold in Switzerland. A minority of consultees is of the opinion that a ban on right wing and Neo-Nazi symbols, gestures and emblems would be difficult to implement. The FCR and GRA have criticised the Federal Government for backing this argument and ignoring the views of a majority of consultees in favour of a ban. A certain amount of judicial experience is required for every law, as was clearly proven with the penal provisions on racism, for which the FCR gathered and published a collection of court rulings (http://www.ekr.admin.ch/dienstleistungen). The FCR and GRA will therefore continue to fight for a ban.
A mass march by right-wing extremists on 1 August 2000 shocked Switzerland. Since then, a member of the Federal Government has been humiliated on the Rütli, and the President of the Swiss Confederation had to apply for special protection during a national celebration, which was paid for privately. Foreign Neo-Nazis are turning to Switzerland, as a great deal of legal freedom exists here with regard to right-wing extremist material. All of these things have been recorded in the GRA’s chronology “Racism in Switzerland“ (http://chronologie.gra.ch, in German and French only).
It is extremely regrettable that the situation will remain unchanged, due to the decision reached by the Federal Government on 30 June 2010. This delay in improving protection against right-wing extremism in Switzerland is even more deplorable in view of the constant tightening of laws regarding foreigners and asylum seekers and the efforts of neighbouring countries to strengthen legislation against right-wing extremism.
Address for enquiries
Federal Commission against Racism FCR
Prof. Georg Kreis, President
Tel. +41 (0)61 317 97 57
Doris Angst, Managing Director
Tel. +41 (0)31 324 12 83
GRA Foundation against Racism and Anti-Semitism
Dr. Ronnie Bernheim, President
Tel. +41 (0)79 662 66 50
Dr. Michael Chiller-Glaus, Managing Director
Tel. +41 (0)43 344 48 22
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