Switzerland Seeks to Enforce 5-Year Ban on Hamas and Related Groups
Key Points:
1. Switzerland's government has proposed a five-year ban on Hamas and related organisations.
2. The ban will be enforced under existing anti-terrorism laws, with penalties including fines or up to 20 years in prison.
3. The proposal targets Hamas and its affiliated groups, as well as those operating under its directives.
Switzerland's government has introduced a proposal to impose a five-year ban on Hamas and its associated organisations. The ban extends to any group directly linked to Hamas or operating under its command. In order to implement the ban, authorities must prove a strong connection to Hamas. Once enforced, affected individuals and organisations would be prohibited from entering Switzerland, regardless of the reason for entry.
According to SwissInfo, the proposal will be reviewed by security policy commissions, and any group impacted by the ban may appeal the decision at the Federal Administrative Court.
Instead of creating new criminal laws, Switzerland will rely on its current legislation, which already includes prison terms of up to 20 years or fines for involvement with terrorist organisations.
The Five-Year Ban on Hamas Follows Deadly Attacks
Switzerland's move comes after Hamas's violent attacks in Israel last year, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths and escalated the conflict in Gaza. These events, including the October 7 attacks that also killed two Swiss citizens and saw 253 hostages taken, prompted the Swiss government to act. The proposed ban also aims to prevent Hamas from using Switzerland as a safe haven or as a base for launching attacks. Additionally, it seeks to simplify entry bans and expulsions while bolstering efforts to combat terrorist financing by enhancing cooperation with international anti-money laundering agencies.
People’s Party Advocates for a Broader Ban
The People’s Party has supported the draft but is pushing for it to cover organisations with similar goals and methods to Hamas. They have proposed amendments to include these groups. Conversely, the Social Democrats warn against establishing a precedent that could lead to the banning of other organisations. They advocate for a thorough review, requiring the Federal Council to consult both the foreign and security policy committees in Parliament before implementing such bans.