The European Court of Human Rights will rule later today if Switzerland’s ban on demonstrations at the start of the pandemic was too strict.
The government has been taken to court by Swiss unions who were not able to hold their traditional march on the 1st May in 2020. There was even the threat of prison sentences.
The government says the restrictions were necessary as it was about protecting lives against a disease which there was, at the time, no effective treatment.
The judgement will be largely symbolic. If the government looses, it will have to pay compensation to the unions.
In the past, the court has given governments leeway and has recognised covid was a serious threat to health.
Public transport prices rise in December
Geneva still can't agree on 2026 budget
Geneva justice system under strain
We're more loyal to our phone company
Montreux Jazz Festival line up released
Dolphins set for temporary stay in Lake Geneva
