At its latest meeting, the Swiss Federal Council introduced federal legislation banning Hamas and related organisations. Individuals in Switzerland who support the organisation will now face severe penalties.
Following the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, both Parliament and the Federal Council quickly reached a consensus to impose this ban.
In February 2024, Justice Minister Beat Jans presented the proposal.
The Federal Council aims for the ban to have both “preventive and repressive effects,” hoping to reduce the likelihood that terrorist organisations like Hamas could use Switzerland as a sanctuary. This measure is also intended to diminish the threat of terrorism within the country.
The Federal Council adopted the decree banning Hamas and submitted it to Parliament. The law will prohibit Hamas, its affiliated and successor organisations, as well as groups acting on behalf of or in the name of Hamas, all of which are considered terrorist entities.
The legislation imposes a prison sentence of up to 20 years or a substantial fine for anyone participating in or supporting Hamas. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office will be responsible for prosecuting offenders.
The law equips Swiss authorities with the necessary tools to combat Hamas-related activities or any support for the organisation within Switzerland, according to a statement by the Federal Council. Additionally, the ban will simplify and expedite the process for authorities to implement preventive police measures, such as entry bans or deportations. The Money Laundering Reporting Office will also find it easier to share information with foreign partners regarding financial transactions suspected of funding terrorism.
