Commission against racism calls for vigilance
Switzerland must not be a welcoming place for extremist groups that spread racially discriminatory views and incite hatred, writes the Federal Commission against Racism (FCR) with regard to the concert by right-wing extremist bands in Unterwasser on October 15.
The concert in the canton of St. Gallen, which was attended by around 5000 people, was organized by various movements whose existence and actions are rooted in racial hatred. Although the prevention of racism does not include pre-censorship, the FCR considers it essential that the Swiss authorities at all levels carry out the necessary checks that are linked to the granting of a permit as part of a licensing procedure.
It is also important that the authorities are able to check compliance with the criminal law on racism at public events or, if necessary, take the necessary measures to report any violation of the law to the judiciary. With regard to the concert in Unterwasser, the FCR sees a great need for clarification with regard to the means of preventing or - in the event of illegality - sanctioning such events.
