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- Natallia Hersche, a Swiss-Belarusian national detained in Belarus, was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison in Minsk.
- The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) confirmed this to SRF News.
- The Swiss woman has been in prison since September 19 for participating in a demonstration against President Lukashenko.
- SP Vice President Barbara Gysi is outraged and calls for active action on the part of Switzerland.
At the request of SRF News, the FDFA upheld the trial and verdict. The Swiss ambassador in Minsk participated in the process as an observer. “In this way, he underlined the importance of the court case for the Federal Department of Foreign Relations (FDFA).”
The FDFA will now evaluate the next steps in conjunction with Ms. Hersche’s attorney. “Ms. Hersche will continue to be treated as part of consular protection. For privacy and data protection reasons, no further information can be provided. “
“I am shocked by this verdict”
One who is strongly committed to Hersche’s release is SP National Councilor and Vice President Barbara Gysi. SRF News contacted you by phone during the session. “I am shocked by this verdict. The 2.5 years is the maximum and shows that it is more of a test show. “
A quick release does not seem in sight.
Gysi describes the accusations Hersche is accused of as absurd. When she was forcibly arrested, the dual citizen is said to have removed the mask from a masked security officer, who was not identified as such, fearing death and scratched him in the process.
She was glad that the authorities supported the woman, but: “A quick release does not look like a quick release in sight.” Federal Councilor Cassis definitely needs to reconnect with his colleagues. Next Thursday, on International Human Rights Day, further actions are planned to draw attention to Hershe’s arrest.
The human rights organization Liberecco also criticized the sentence. “We are shocked by today’s verdict,” said President Lars Bünger. The entire Federal Council should immediately impose sanctions on Lukashenko personally and freeze all accounts that can be assigned to him, his family and the environment in Switzerland, according to the organization’s website.
In October, 16 federal parliamentarians from the SP, Greens, CVP and EPP met in an open letter, Link opens in a new window He approached the Minister of Justice, the Minister of the Interior and the Attorney General of Belarus and called for the release of the Swiss.
An “energy reaction” is required
“We now expect a vigorous reaction from Chancellor Cassis and Federal President Sommaruga to the Lukashenko regime,” Libereco wrote on Monday.
On the same day, Cassis said in question time at the National Council that official Switzerland was in regular contact with the woman’s lawyer. The Swiss representation in Belarus defends the interests of women.
