Telling truth shouldn't be criminalised

ARTICLE 47 IS A CASE STUDY IN HOW LIBERAL DEMOCRACIES CAN SUBVERT THEMSELVES. SWITZERLAND MUST REMOVE THE THREAT

- Delphine Halgand-Mishra & Frederik Obermaier

Switzerland, long admired for its federalist structure, political stability, and commitment to the rule of law, has undercut one of the most fundamental principles of a liberal democracy: a free press. Behind its polished image as a bastion of neutrality, the country is using its banking-secrecy laws not to protect privacy, but to shield misconduct, muzzle journalists, and deter potential whistleblowers.

At the center of this legal controversy is Article 47 of the Swiss Banking Act, which criminalises the disclosure of bank clients’ data — regardless of motive or public interest. Even when the leaked information reveals corruption, human-rights abuses, or illicit finance, journalists and media outlets that publish such information could face up to five years in prison and a fine. Whistleblowers themselves also risk prison sentences.