Switzerland
Death penalty and prisoners' rights · Archive since 1999
Data card
- Legal status
- Abolitionist
- Executions recorded in 2026
- 0
- Executions recorded in 2025
- 0
- First news item in the archive
- JANUARY 1, 1999 · After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes...
- News items in the archive
- 54
Source: Hands Off Cain database, updated to 2026.
Switzerland is classified as Abolitionist in the Hands Off Cain database, updated to 2026. In 2026 the association recorded 0 executions in the country, against 0 the year before. The archive holds 54 news items on Switzerland, from 1999 to today.
Latest news
- JANUARY 1, 2020SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- MARCH 27, 2019SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
SWITZERLAND TO DEPORT TERRORISTS EVEN IF THEY FACE DEATH PENALTY AT HOME
The Swiss Council of States agreed earlier this week to allow for the deportation of terrorists to their home countries even if they face the death penalty in them.
- JANUARY 1, 2019SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 1, 2018SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 1, 2017SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 1, 2016SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 1, 2015SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JUNE 26, 2014SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
SWISS RESOLUTION ON CAPITAL PUNISHMENT BEFORE THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Switzerland and seven further states successfully presented to the UN Human Rights Council a resolution
- JANUARY 1, 2014SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
DECEMBER 6, 2013NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: SWITZERLAND URGES FG TO REVIEW DEATH PENALTY
The Government of Switzerland has urged the Nigerian Federal Government to address the
- SEPTEMBER 10, 2013SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
SWITZERLAND: EXECUTION DRUGS FACE EXPORT RESTRICTIONS
The Swiss parliament wants to prevent pharmaceutical companies from supplying drugs used for
- JANUARY 1, 2013SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- OCTOBER 10, 2012AustriaDEATH PENALTY
six countries joined forces to call for the
six countries joined forces to call for the "complete abolition" of the death penalty worldwide.
- JULY 19, 2012SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
SWISS GOVT WANTS TO END DEATH PENALTY EVERYWHERE
The Swiss government has reaffirmed its commitment toward seeking the abolition of the
- JANUARY 1, 2012SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- NOVEMBER 29, 2011SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
USA - Nebraska. Prison officials intend to keep a new supply of sodium thiopental bought in Switzerland over the objections that the drug was improperly obtained
USA - Nebraska. Prison officials intend to keep a new supply of sodium thiopental bought in Switzerland over the objections that the drug was improperly obtained
- JANUARY 1, 2011SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 1, 2010SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 1, 2009SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 1, 2008SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- DECEMBER 18, 2007SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
Switzerland voted in favour of the Resolution...
Switzerland voted in favour of the Resolution...
- JANUARY 1, 2007SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 1, 2006SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- APRIL 20, 2005SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
Switzerland was a cosponsor of the resolution on the death penalty at the 61st UN Commission on Human Rights.
Switzerland was a cosponsor of the resolution on the death penalty at the 61st UN Commission on Human Rights.
- MARCH 31, 2005SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
ISLAM. TARIQ RAMADAN CALLS FOR MORATORIUM ON DEATH PENALTY IN MUSLIM WORLD
a prominent Muslim intellectual in Europe, Tariq Ramadan, has called for a moratorium on corporal punishment, stoning and the death penalty in the Muslim world.
- JANUARY 1, 2005SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- APRIL 21, 2004SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
Switzerland was a cosponsor of the resolution on the...
Switzerland was a cosponsor of the resolution on the death penalty at the 60th UN Commission on Human Rights
- APRIL 8, 2004SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
After abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1942, Switzerland became fully abolitionist in 1992.
- JANUARY 22, 2004SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
The Swiss Federal Council and other European countries...
The Swiss Federal Council and other European countries should concede political asylum to the People's Mujahedin members living in Iraq, over whom hangs the threat of expulsion
- APRIL 24, 2003SwitzerlandDEATH PENALTY
Switzerland was a cosponsor of the resolution on the...
Switzerland was a cosponsor of the resolution on the death penalty approved by the UN Commission on Human Rights, in Geneva