Prospect of further Swiss sanctions against Iran recedes
An influential parliamentary committee had decided against Switzerland adopting more sanctions against Iran on human rights grounds. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate voted against a motion for Switzerland to follow European Union measures in the wake of severe repression of citizens by Iranian security forces. Iran has witnessed protracted civil unrest following the arrest and death of a woman for not covering her head. Mahsa Amini died last month while in the custody of the Islamic Republic’s morality police who detained her for “inappropriate attire”, prompting nationwide protests during which women have removed and burnt headscarves. Earlier this month, the Swiss government said it would not adopt EU sanctions directed specifically at this repression. The government said it was enough that Switzerland had “clearly condemned the use of force by Iranian security forces” and had “repeatedly called on Iran to comply with its human rights obligations”. The diplomatic...