For organized crime: Federal prosecutor wants key witnesses against mafia

class=”sc-29f61514-0 jbwksb”>

Swiss federal prosecutor Stefan Blättler (64) advocates introducing a leniency program in our country as well. Because more and more mafia members have Swiss passports. And only if repentant mafia members testify against impunity can effective action be taken against organized crime, he says.

The Mafia is a closed society, Blättler explains in an interview with the Tamedia newspapers. You don’t get in there with an undercover agent from Bern who doesn’t speak any dialect, is blond and has blue eyes. “You can forget that.”

Italy is leading the way

The federal prosecutor is certain that key witnesses would help Switzerland in the fight against the mafia. In Italy, these people are of great use to law enforcement. Then you need a witness protection program. “We already have.”

Although parliament rejected leniency in 2017, that was a long time coming for Blättler. According to him, such an arrangement should be discussed again. It’s not a panacea, but it helps.

Lauber’s successor

Switzerland has a choice: “Paint in beauty and do nothing. Or make concessions that affect the sense of justice.” After all, key witnesses should not have to be acquitted. “You can also get them to talk if the alternatives are five years in prison instead of fifteen,” says Blättler, who has held the office since early 2022.

Before that, he was the police commander of Bern for many years. His predecessor Michael Lauber (57) had resigned over the affair surrounding his informal meetings with FIFA management. (SDA/pt)

Source:Blick