Fighting terrorism: House searches and arrests in the canton of Fribourg
Bern, 02.10.2020 - On 02.10.2020, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) carried out three house searches in the canton of Fribourg as part of two criminal investigations, arresting four persons. They are alleged to have violated Article 2 of the Federal Act on the Proscription of the Groups ‘Al-Qaeda’ and ‘Islamic State’ and Associated Organisations (SR 122) and to have supported or participated in a criminal organisation (Art. 260ter Swiss Criminal Code (SCC)).
The three house searches were carried out as part of two criminal investigations that the OAG is conducting, each against two suspects. One investigation was opened in August 2020 against a 28-year-old Kosovar woman and a 29-year-old Macedonian man. The OAG opened the other case in September 2020 against a 26-year-old Kosovar man and a 34-year-old Swiss-Kosovar dual national. All four suspects live in the canton of Fribourg. The two criminal investigations relate to suspicions of the violation of Article 2 of the Federal Act on the Proscription of the Groups ‘Al-Qaeda’ and ‘Islamic State’ and Associated Organisations (SR 122) and of supporting or participating in a criminal organisation (Art. 260ter SCC).
The four suspects were arrested and brought to the OAG. As they had been in contact with each other, the house searches and arrests were all carried out at the same time.
The OAG wishes to thank the Federal Intelligence Service FIS and fedpol as well as the Fribourg Cantonal Police for their valuable assistance in this matter.
No additional information may be given at present for tactical reasons related to the investigations; the OAG will issue a further statement on the criminal proceedings in due course. The presumption of innocence applies to all the suspects.
Prosecutions related to jihadist-motivated terrorism
Today’s house searches and arrests are in line with the consistent policy of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland of prosecuting anyone in Switzerland who attempts to participate in jihadist-motivated terrorism or to support such terrorism by spreading propaganda. The OAG is currently conducting around 70 criminal proceedings in this connection. The cases primarily relate to suspected offences of spreading propaganda or recruiting persons for terrorist organisations, funding such organisations and the activities of jihadist-motivated travellers, including persons who have returned to Switzerland.
Address for enquiries
Communications Service of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, info@ba.admin.ch
Publisher
Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland
http://www.ba.admin.ch/
