Heavy fine for spitting on Russian Embassy

Russian Embassy, Bern

A jogger in Bern has been fined nearly CHF 7,000 after spitting on the sign outside the Russian Embassy.

Security personnel monitoring the area tried to stop him. He was eventually detained nearby.

Switzerland’s Federal Prosecutor found the man guilty of insulting a foreign national emblem—an offense under Swiss law. He was fined 6,900 francs, plus 500 francs in legal costs.

Because it affected foreign relations, the case required approval from Justice Minister Beat Jans before legal proceedings could go ahead.

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