Opponents deem proposed Swiss arms export rules 'immoral', 'anti-Ukraine'

Opponents of the proposed amendments to the law on war materiel launched their vote campaign by calling these changes "immoral" and "anti-Ukraine" during a press conference on Monday. Swiss citizens are set to vote on this bill, which aims to facilitate arms exports, on November 29. "With this new law, Switzerland is completely relinquishing control over its arms exports," the coalition opposing the new law told reporters in the capital Bern. The alliance comprises some 28 parties and organisations, including those on the left and the Evangelical People’s Party, as well as NGO Caritas, the Group for a Switzerland without an Army (GSsA), Justitia et Pax, and the Commission of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference. The relaxation of the War Material Act will once again allow direct exports, even to countries embroiled in civil war. “For 36 countries, including the United States and Argentina – both governed by authoritarian leaders who flout democracy and human rights – the criteria for the ...