The Local Switzerland

No break for Swiss giant Nestle in Kit Kat trademark war

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 10:57:00 +0200

The European Union's top court on Wednesday July 25th ordered the EU's intellectual property office to "reconsider" Kit Kat's bloc-wide trademark, prolonging Nestle's decade-long battle to claim exclusive rights over the chocolate bar's distinctive shape.

One in three rapists isn’t locked up: statistics

Sun, 09 Oct 2016 22:13:56 +0200

In Switzerland convicted rapists often end up with a suspended sentence rather than behind bars.

Swiss Petrobras probe targets Brazilian firm

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 19:55:22 +0200

The Swiss justice authorities say they are investigating Brazilian firm BTP Odebrecht in connection with the massive corruption probe targeting Brazil's state oil company Petrobras.

Swiss confirm European terror plot by three Iraqis

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 17:39:00 +0100

Swiss authorities confirmed on Friday that three Iraqis arrested in March are suspected of having planned a terrorist attack in Europe on behalf of the Islamic State group.

New prosecutor quits over ‘illegal’ charwoman

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 01:27:00 +0200

A woman nominated two weeks ago to become the canton of Ticino’s next attorney-general was forced to step aside on Tuesday over a scandal involving a clandestine cleaning lady hired to work in her home.

UN rights chief calls Iraq executions 'obscene'

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0200

UN human rights chief Navi Pillay on Friday slammed a new wave of executions in Iraq, saying the country's justice system was seriously flawed.

Thailand to extradite Swiss child molester

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:26:00 +0100

A 56-year-old man from St Gallen who abused his daughter and her friend over a period of years is to be extradited from Thailand.

Swiss woman cleared of father's murder

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:27:25 +0200

A judge has said a 24-year-old woman acted in self-defence when she shot and killed her aggressive dad at their home in Oberrieden, near Zurich, two years ago.

Debt-hit Spanish teen caught smuggling cocaine

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:31:22 +0200

Driven to desperation by the financial crisis, a mother and her son agreed to transport 600 grams of cocaine to pay their bills in Madrid, but were caught in Geneva before finishing the job.

Quadriplegic child case reopened after 7 years

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:32:00 +0200

The parents of a 16-year-old boy who became blind and severely disabled during a mysterious attack in February 2002 are continuing to search for the cause of their son's condition in an emotive case being monitored closely by the Swiss media.

Swiss 'sold weapons' during Arab Spring

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:27:00 +0200

Switzerland sold arms and ammunition to long-term clients Egypt and Bahrain during the "Arab spring" protests, according to a report by Amnesty International.

Thousands sign petition for illegal immigrants

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:25:23 +0200

The Swiss government has received a petition calling for it to regularize the status of undocumented foreigners living in the country.

Dog lover loved dog far too much: court

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:10:00 +0200

A young man who had sex with his dog for several years has been ordered to undergo regular psychiatric treatment if he is to avoid spending eight months behind bars, a Swiss court ruled on Monday.

Switzerland clamps down on mercenary services

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:28:26 +0200

Switzerland's Federal Council wants to pass a law banning Swiss-based private armies offering military services to war zones.

Passive lover cleared over Geneva drowning

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:51:03 +0200

A Swiss court has cleared a man of wrongdoing after he failed to jump into the water to save his date from drowning in Lake Geneva.

Justice minister wants more internet monitoring

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:04:57 +0200

Swiss Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga wants to expand the government's ability to monitor people's online activities. The plans have been harshly criticized by other politicians and the internet sector.

Extra jail time for hunger-striking dope farmer

Wed, 11 May 2011 14:14:00 +0200

A hemp farmer and cannabis activist sentenced to over five years in jail has been handed an additional year in prison, reports said.