Escalation of violence in Iran becomes test of character for Switzerland

The European Union has declared the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organisation. Should Switzerland, which has represented US interests in Iran for 40 years, follow suit? For former ambassador Tim Guldimann, the answer is clear. The latest protests in Iran have triggered a new wave of violence. Security forces and the Revolutionary Guard responded to protesters in several cities with live ammunition, tear gas and mass arrests. Human rights organisations and activists report several thousand injured and dead. The exact figures are almost impossible to verify, as the internet in Iran is largely blocked. Switzerland is also concerned by the developments. Demonstrations against the Iranian regime have taken place in several cities, including Bern and Zurich, in recent weeks. Police intervened in front of the Iranian embassy in Bern after an unauthorised demonstration escalated. The government had already harmonised the Iran sanctions in December and adapted them to previous ...