European Committee Warns of Police Violence in Western Switzerland

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has issued a stark warning about law enforcement practices in western Switzerland. Following visits to four cantons - Geneva, Valais, Vaud, and Fribourg - in March 2024, the committee documented numerous concerning incidents of police misconduct. The allegations include serious forms of physical mistreatment such as dog bites, baton strikes, headbutts, punches, kicks, and violent takedowns. Particularly troubling is the finding that foreign nationals were disproportionately affected by these incidents, especially during arrest procedures.

The investigation revealed severe overcrowding in western Swiss prisons, particularly in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. Bois-Mermet prison in Vaud reported an alarming occupancy rate of 166%, while Champ-Dollon in Geneva stood at 132%. These conditions have led to concerning situations where inmates share cells without separate toilets and remain confined for 22-23 hours daily with minimal human contact. The overcrowding crisis also affects staff working conditions, creating a challenging environment for both inmates and prison personnel.

The Swiss government has responded to the CPT's findings with a detailed defense of its current practices. Cantonal authorities have emphasized their zero-tolerance policy toward law enforcement misconduct, asserting that any reported abuses are systematically investigated. The Federal Council maintains that the existing legal framework adequately ensures procedural safeguards, particularly regarding arrest procedures, which they argue do not constitute strict deprivation of liberty but rather brief restrictions for verification purposes.

The CPT has called for comprehensive reforms and decisive measures to address both police conduct and prison overcrowding. To combat overcrowding, the Federal Council has proposed implementing alternative forms of punishment where possible. The committee emphasizes the need for a coordinated strategy involving all stakeholders to address these systemic issues. Despite the government's assurances, the CPT maintains that several long-standing recommendations remain unimplemented, highlighting the urgency for concrete action.