Parliament moves closer to end murder loophole

Federal Palace, Bern

Switzerland is moving closer to abolishing the 30 year statute of limitations for murder.

Yesterday, the National Council - the lower house of parliament - voted 109 to 73 to lift the limit, following support from the Council of States, the upper house. 

The proposal, launched by an initiative in the canton of Sankt Gallen, applies only to murder,  not to all crimes punishable by life imprisonment, and not under juvenile criminal law.

The Swiss People's Party and the Centre backed the change, joined at the last minute by The Liberals. 

The left and the Green Liberal Party opposed it. The bill now returns to the upper house.

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