European Committee Warns of Police Violence in Western Switzerland

Council of Europe committee report highlights concerns over alleged police misconduct and prison overcrowding in western Swiss cantons, calling for urgent reforms.

Key Takeaways

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) raised concerns about police practices in western Switzerland
The investigation covered four western Swiss cantons: Geneva, Valais, Vaud, and Fribourg
Foreign nationals were the primary victims of alleged police misconduct

By The Numbers

166%

Occupancy rate at Bois-Mermet prison in Vaud

132%

Occupancy rate at Champ-Dollon in Geneva

22-23

Hours inmates are locked in cells daily

They Said

"The committee is still concerned that Swiss authorities haven't implemented several of its recommendations, some of which were made a long time ago, despite the need for concrete measures"
— CPT Report

"Police violence is an ongoing practice"
— CPT Report

CPT Findings and Concerns

Prison Overcrowding Crisis

Swiss Government Response

Recommendations and Future Steps

Sources & References

European committee raises alarm over police violence in western Switzerland

SWI swissinfo.ch