Source: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19810037/index.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 13:03:43+00:00

Document:
of 20 March 1981 (Status as of 1 March 2019).
the execution of foreign criminal judgments (Part Five).
3 This Act applies only to criminal matters in which recourse to the courts is permitted under the law of the requesting State.
4 This Act confers no right to international cooperation in criminal matters.
1 Amended by Art. 59 No 1 of the FA of 22 June 2001 on Cooperation with the International Criminal Court, in force since 1 July 2002 (AS 2002 1493; BBl 2001 391).
2 Repealed by No I of the FA of 4 October 1996, with effect from 1 February 1997 (AS 1997 114; BBl 1995 III 1).
In the application of this Act, Swiss sovereignty, security, public order or similar essential interests must be taken into account.
1 A request shall not be granted if the subject of the proceedings is an act which, in the Swiss view, is of a predominantly political nature, constitutes a violation of the obligation to perform military or similar service, or appears to be directed against the national security or military defence of the requesting State.
1 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 18 June 2010 on the Amendment of the Federal Legislation in Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 4963; BBl 2008 3863).
A request shall be rejected if the importance of the offence does not justify conducting proceedings.
its execution requires compulsory measures and the prosecution or execution of the sentence was absolutely time barred under Swiss law.
4 The amendment in accordance with Art. 97 ff. of the Swiss Criminal Code (SR 311.0) contains a new system of time limits (AS 2006 3459; BBl 1999 1979).
6 Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085).
1 If the act of which the defendant is accused constitutes an offence under two or more provisions of Swiss criminal law, the request may be granted only in respect of those offences for which there are no reasons for inadmissibility and if there is a guarantee that the requesting State will respect the conditions imposed.
2 Cooperation shall not be permitted if the proceedings concern an act that constitutes an offence under two or more provisions of Swiss or foreign criminal law and if, with regard to one of these offences, which covers the act in all its aspects, a request may not be granted.
1 No Swiss national may, without his written consent, be extradited or surrendered to a foreign State for prosecution or for the execution of a sentence. Consent may be withdrawn up to the time when the surrender is ordered.
2 Paragraph 1 does not apply to transit or return of a Swiss national who is temporarily surrendered by a third State to the Swiss authorities.
1 As a rule, a request shall be granted only if the requesting State guarantees reciprocity. The Federal Office of Justice1 of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (Federal Office) shall obtain a guarantee of reciprocity if this is considered necessary.
serves to clarify an offence against a Swiss national.
3 The Federal Council may, within the scope of this Act, provide other States with a guarantee of reciprocity.
1 The designation of the administrative unit has been adapted according to Art. 16 para. 3 of the Ordinance of 17 November 2004 on official publications (SR 170.512.1).
The Federal Council may conclude bilateral agreements with foreign States regarding the transfer of sentenced persons provided those agreements respect the principles of the European Convention of 21 March 1983 on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons2.
2 Second sentence Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085).
1 Repealed by No I of the FA of 4 October 1996, with effect from 1 February 1997 (AS 1997 114; BBl 1995 III 1).
2 A sentence is any penalty or other measure.
documents on electronically stored processes and entries.
3 The Federal Office of Police and the State Secretariat for Migration1 and the units of the Federal Intelligence Service responsible for the implementation of the Federal Act of 21 March 19972 on Measures to Safeguard Internal Security shall have online access to the data defined in paragraph 2 letter a.3 If the Federal Office of Police carries out the tasks of the Federal Office of Justice under this Act, it shall also have online access to the data defined in paragraph 2 letter b.
the agencies of the Federal Office that are authorised to process the data directly in the system and the data that in individual cases may be disclosed to other authorities.
1 The name of this administrative unit was amended by Art. 16 para. 3 of the Publications Ordinance of 17 Nov. 2004 (SR 170.512.1), in force since 1 Jan. 2015.
3 Amended by No I 4 of the Ordinance of 4 Dec. 2009 on the Amendment of Legislation due to the Establishment of the Federal Intelligence Service, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6921).
the information that they require to be able to assert their rights.
an enquiry, an investigation, court proceedings or international cooperation proceedings in criminal matters may be prejudiced by providing the person concerned with information.
1 Any person may request information on whether Switzerland has received a request from a foreign state to make an arrest for the purpose of extradition. This right may be asserted at the Federal Office. If the request is made to a different authority, that authority shall forward the request immediately to the Federal Office.
2 If a person requests information on whether the Federal Office has received a request to make an arrest for the purpose of extradition, the Federal Office shall notify the person that no data about them has been unlawfully processed and that the person can request the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (the Commissioner) to enquire as to whether any data on them has been lawfully processed.
3 The Commissioner shall conduct the enquiries; he shall notify the person concerned either that no data about them has been unlawfully processed or that he has opened an investigation under Article 22 of the Schengen Data Protection Act of 28 September 20181 in the case of errors in the processing of personal data.
4 If the Commissioner identifies errors in the data processing, he shall order the Federal Office to rectify the same.
5 The notifications under paragraphs 2 and 3 shall always be worded in the same way and shall not mention the grounds.
6 The notification under paragraph 3 may not be contested.
7 In derogation from paragraph 2, the Federal Office is entitled to provide the person concerned with the requested information if the requesting state gives its advance consent.
1 The person who is the object of a request for international cooperation in criminal matters may request that the competent authority correct or delete the personal data relating to them that is being processed in contravention of this Act.
deletion may prejudice proceedings on international cooperation in criminal matters or foreign proceedings giving rise to the request for cooperation in criminal matters.
3 The competent authority shall immediately notify the authority that has transmitted, made available or disclosed the personal data about the measures taken in accordance with paragraph 1 or 2.
4 The relevant foreign authority is responsible for checking the accuracy of personal data that has been obtained as evidence or personal data relating to criminal offences giving rise to the request for international cooperation in criminal matters.
1 The data protection rules that apply to the disclosure of personal data to the competent authorities of States that are linked with Switzerland through one of the Schengen association agreements (the Schengen States) must not be stricter than the rules that apply to the disclosure of personal data to Swiss law enforcement authorities.
2 Specific legislation that provides for stricter data protection rules for the disclosure of personal data to the competent foreign authorities does not apply to disclosure to the competent authorities of the Schengen States.
1 Personal data may not be disclosed to the competent authority of a State that is not linked with Switzerland through one of the Schengen association agreements (a third country) or to an international body if, as a result, the privacy of the data subject would be seriously jeopardised, in particular because of the lack of adequate protection.
to exercise or enforce legal rights against an authority competent to prevent, detect or prosecute a criminal offence or to execute a criminal judgment, unless overriding legitimate interests of the data subject preclude disclosure.
the requirements of Article 11f are met.
disclosure is necessary to prevent an imminent and serious threat to the public security of a Schengen State or of a third country or to protect the essential interests of a Schengen State.
3 The Schengen State shall be notified immediately of any disclosure under paragraph 2.
1 The competent authority shall notify the recipient about the reliability of the personal data disclosed and of the extent to which they are up to date.
between personal data based on facts and personal data based on personal assessments.
3 The obligation to notify the recipient does not apply if the information mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 is evident from the personal data themselves or from the circumstances.
1 Unless this Act specifies otherwise, the federal administrative authorities shall apply, by analogy, the Federal Act of 20 December 19681 on Administrative Procedure, and the cantonal authorities their own procedural rules. Procedural acts are governed by the procedural law in criminal matters.
the filing of a criminal complaint with a foreign authority within the time limit provided for if this is so required under Swiss law.
2 If a criminal complaint is required only under Swiss law, no sentence may be imposed or executed in Switzerland if the victim makes objections.
1 The suspension of the effects of the time limitation provisions has been abolished by Art. 97 ff. of the Swiss Criminal Code (SR 311.0) and time limits for execution have been replaced by an extension of the regular time limit (AS 2006 3459; BBl 1999 1979).
Article 69 of the Swiss Criminal Code1 applies when taking account of the period spent on remand or in detention abroad due to proceedings under this Act.
2 The Confederation shall pay the compensation if a federal authority makes or executes a request. It may require reimbursement from the canton that caused the request to be made.
2 Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085).
1 The cantons shall participate in the conduct of extradition proceedings. Unless federal law provides otherwise, they are required to execute the requests for other forms of mutual assistance and the transfer of proceedings and to execute criminal judgments. The cantons shall be subject to the supervision of the Confederation provided this Act applies.
1 Repealed by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, with effect from 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085).
2 The Federal Office shall receive the requests from abroad and file Swiss requests. It shall handle extradition requests and arrange for requests for other assistance, transfer of proceedings and execution of criminal judgments to be examined by the appropriate cantonal or federal authorities if their execution is not obviously inadmissible.
on the admissibility of Swiss requests (Art. 30, para. 1).
4 It may transfer the conduct of proceedings wholly or partly to the federal authority which would be competent to prosecute the offence if it had been committed in Switzerland.
2 Sentence inserted by Annex No 30 of the FA of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, in force since 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
1 The competent authority shall execute requests promptly. It shall decide without delay.
2 It shall on request provide the Federal Office with information on the status of the proceedings, the reasons for any delay and the measures being considered. If the delay is not justified, the Federal Office may take the matter up with the appropriate supervisory authority.
3 When the competent authority, without reason, refuses to or delays in issuing a ruling, its conduct shall be regarded as equivalent to a negative decision subject to appeal.
1 At the express request of another State, provisional measures may be taken by the competent authority to preserve the existing situation, to safeguard threatened legal interests or to protect jeopardised evidence unless the proceedings under this Act clearly appear to be inadmissible or inappropriate.
2 If any delay would jeopardise the proceedings and if there is sufficient information to determine whether all the conditions are met, the Federal Office may likewise order provisional measures as soon as a request is announced. Such measures shall be revoked if the foreign State does not make the request within the deadline set.
3 Appeals filed against rulings based on this Article do not have suspensive effect.
1 In extradition cases, the Federal Office may, at the express request of another State order the surveillance of postal and telecommunications traffic in order to establish the whereabouts of the defendant.
the Federal Office, if it is executing the request for mutual assistance itself.
by the cantonal authorities: the cantonal compulsory measures court.
4 The requirements for surveillance and the procedure shall otherwise be governed by Articles 269-279 CrimPC2 and the Federal Act of 6 October 20003 on the Surveillance of Postal and Telecommunications Traffic.
1 Inserted by Annex No 4 of the FA of 6 October 2000 on the Surveillance of Mail and Telecommunication Services (AS 2001 3096; BBl 1998 4241). Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085).
the data was acquired by the executing authority based on an order for authorised real-time surveillance (Art. 269-281 CrimPC2).
2 The data may not be used in evidence before the ruling on granting and the extent of mutual assistance is legally binding.
3 Notice of the ruling under paragraph 1 and any order or authorisation for surveillance must be given to the Federal Office immediately.
1 Inserted by Art. 2 No 2 of the Federal Decree of 18 March 2011 (Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime), in force since 1 Jan. 2012 (AS 2011 6293; BBl 2010 4697).
If the defendant is abroad and if, according to the laws of the State to which the request is to be made, there is a choice between different procedures, preference shall be given to the procedure which appears to ensure the better social rehabilitation.
execution of the sentence in Switzerland does not seem appropriate.
2 On conclusion of the criminal proceedings abroad, the Swiss authority shall decide whether or not to resume the suspended proceedings or the execution of the penalty.
1 In the interest of proceedings carried out in another State and permitted under this Act, the Federal Office may permit transit through Swiss territory and approve the measures required therefor on submission of a request by the State concerned or a third State without hearing the person concerned. There is no right of appeal against the decision and ancillary measures. They shall be notified only to the requesting State.
the State arranging for the transport to be made has previously informed the Federal Office by indicating the reason for surrender and the offence which is the basis for it.
3 Only the Federal Office may interrupt the transit to prosecute an offence or to execute a criminal judgment in Switzerland.
1 The defendant may appoint a legal adviser. If he chooses not to do so or is not in a position to do so, a legal adviser shall be officially appointed if required to safeguard the interests of the defendant.
2 Other persons who are affected by the mutual assistance measures or who, as injured parties, are present at enquiries, may, if the safeguarding of their interests so requires, be assisted by a legal adviser while mutual assistance measures are being carried out and, provided the object of the investigation is not prejudiced, be represented by him.
Rulings and decisions issued by federal and cantonal authorities must give notice of the possible appellate remedies, the appellate authority and the deadline for filing an appeal.
1 Repealed by Annex No 30 of the FA of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, with effect from 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
4 An appeal may also be filed against the inadmissible or obviously improper application of foreign law.
1 Amended by Annex No 30 of the FA of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, in force since 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
2 Amended by Annex No 30 of the FA of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, in force since 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
5 Amended by Annex No 30 of the FA of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, in force since 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
6 Repealed by No I of the FA of 4 October 1996, with effect from 1 February 1997 (AS 1997 114; BBl 1995 III 1).
7 Amended by Annex No 30 of the FA of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, in force since 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
2 Sentence repealed by Annex No 30 of the FA of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, with effect from 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
2 Foreign requests shall be addressed directly to the Federal Office.
3 Requests which are addressed to an inappropriate authority shall be forwarded ex officio. The requesting authority shall be duly notified.
4 Requests in connection with an arrest shall be dealt with without delay.
5 The non-acceptance or refusal of a request must be substantiated.
1 Requests shall be made in writing.
details that are as exact and complete as possible on the person who is the subject of the criminal proceedings.
the wording of the regulations applicable at the place where the offence was committed, except for requests for assistance in accordance with Part Three of this Act.
4 Foreign official records need not be legalised.
5 Foreign requests and their enclosures shall be submitted in German, French or Italian or be accompanied by a translation into one of these languages. Translations must be officially certified.
6 If a request does not meet the formal requirements, its correction or completion may be demanded; the ordering of provisional measures is not affected thereby.
1 The Federal Office may receive requests directly from the ministry of justice of the requesting State.
2 When provisional measures must be taken or in urgent cases, the intervention of the International Criminal Police organisation (ICPO Interpol) may be enlisted or a copy of the written request may be sent directly to the authority competent for its execution.
1 Swiss authorities may not address to another State requests which they themselves could not grant under this Act.
2 The Federal Office is competent for requests for extradition, transfer of proceedings or execution of criminal judgments; it shall take action at the request of the cantonal authority.
3 Conditions which the requested State attaches to the execution of the request must be observed by the Swiss authorities.
4 The Federal Office may decline to make a request if the importance of the offence does not justify the proceedings.
1 As a rule, foreign requests shall be executed free of charge.
2 The Federal Council shall determine the conditions under which the requesting State may be charged full or partial costs.
3 The costs of a Swiss request that are reimbursed to another State shall be charged to the proceedings that caused the request to be made.
4 The Federal Council shall regulate the sharing of costs between the Confederation and the cantons.
Foreign nationals may be surrendered to another State for prosecution or enforcement of a sentence involving deprivation of liberty for acts which come under its criminal jurisdiction if that State requests extradition or if it accepts the Swiss request to prosecute the offence or enforce the judgment.
1 Children and juveniles as defined in the Swiss Criminal Code1 whose extradition is requested shall, if possible, be repatriated by the juvenile authorities. The same applies to persons between the ages of 18 and 20 if extradition could endanger their mental development or social rehabilitation.
2 Repatriation shall have the effects of an extradition.
is not subject to Swiss jurisdiction.
3 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 18 June 2010 on the Amendment of the Federal Act in Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 4963; BBl 2008 3863).
1 As an exception, the defendant may be extradited for an offence which comes under Swiss jurisdiction if special circumstances, especially the possibility of better social rehabilitation, justify it.
2 If one of two or more offences is extraditable (Art. 35 para. 1), extradition may be granted for all offences.
1 Extradition may be denied if Switzerland can assume responsibility for the prosecution of the offence or the execution of the foreign criminal judgment and if this appears to be appropriate with regard to the social rehabilitation of the defendant.
sends the Swiss authorities, at their request, an officially certified copy of the decision which concludes the criminal proceedings.
If the extradited person is charged with other offences, the State to which he was extradited may be permitted, on making a new request, to prosecute these offences as well.
1 If two or more States request extradition for the same offence, extradition shall be granted as a rule to the State where the offence was committed or principally perpetrated.
2 If extradition is requested by more than one State for different offences, the decision shall be made having due regard to all circumstances, especially the seriousness of the offences, the place of commission, the chronological order in which the requests were received, the nationality of the defendant, the better prospect of social rehabilitation and the possibility of extradition to another State.
In addition to the documents specified in Article 28 paragraph 3, the following shall be enclosed with the request: the original or an officially authenticated copy of an enforceable judgment, of an arrest warrant or of any other document issued in accordance with the regulations of the requesting State and having the same effect.
the intention of the competent authority to make a request for extradition.
The Federal Office shall decide whether and under what conditions it will consider the request.
Foreign nationals may be arrested with a view to extradition on the basis of a request by an Interpol National Central Bureau or the Ministry of Justice of another State or on the basis of an international alert in a police search system.1 Article 52 paragraphs 1 and 2 apply by analogy.
1 At the time of arrest, objects and assets which can serve as evidence in foreign criminal proceedings or which originate from an offence shall be seized.
2 The cantonal authorities may, if necessary, order that the arrested person or the rooms be searched.
1 Arrest and seizure shall be reported to the Federal Office.
2 They shall continue until a decision concerning the detention awaiting extradition is issued but at the latest until the third workday after the arrest.
can prove without delay that he was not at the place of the offence when it was committed.
2 If the defendant is unfit to remain in detention or if there are other valid reasons, the Federal Office may order measures other than detention to ensure his presence.
3 At the same time the Federal Office shall rule on which objects and assets will remain seized or must be seized.
the notice regarding the right of appeal under paragraph 2 and the right to appoint a legal adviser.
1 The execution of rulings under Article 47 is a matter for the cantonal authorities.
3 The defendant may neither be released nor deported from Switzerland without the consent of the Federal Office.
1 The Federal Office shall order the release of the person concerned from detention 18 days after arrest if the request for extradition and the documents supporting it have not been received.1 This period may be extended for special cause by up to 40 days.
2 If the defendant is already detained, the period shall start when he is detained with a view to extradition.
3 By way of exception, the person concerned may be released from detention with a view to extradition at any stage of the proceedings if this is appropriate in the circumstances. The defendant may lodge a petition for release at any time.
3 Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085).
1 If the request and its enclosures are received in time and if extradition is not obviously inadmissible, detention shall continue throughout the proceedings without special ruling.
2 If the defendant has been released, detention with a view to extradition may be ordered again.
2 The defendant shall be questioned briefly about his personal circumstances, and especially his nationality and relationship with the requesting State, and asked if and for what reasons he raises objections to the arrest warrant or his extradition. His legal adviser may assist in this hearing.
3 If the extradited person is to be prosecuted for other offences or re-extradited to a third State, the Federal Office shall arrange for him to be questioned on the record in accordance with paragraph 2 by a judicial authority of the requesting State.
1 If the defendant claims to be able to prove that he was not at the scene of the offence when it was committed, the Federal Office shall make the necessary investigations.
2 Extradition shall be denied in clear cases. In other cases, the exculpatory evidence shall be submitted to the requesting State which shall be asked to declare within a short time whether it wishes to continue with its request.
1 If the defendant places on the record before a judicial authority that he waives the requirement of extradition proceedings, the Federal Office shall order his surrender unless there are special considerations prohibiting it.
2 This waiver may be revoked provided the Federal Office has not ordered the surrender.
3 Simplified extradition shall have the effect of extradition and is subject to the same conditions. The requesting State shall be given notice thereof.
2 If the defendant claims that he is being charged with a political offence or if the investigation reveals serious grounds to believe that the offence is of a political nature, the Appeals Chamber of the Federal Criminal Court shall decide the case.2 The Federal Office shall send the file to this Court, together with its proposal. The defendant shall be given the opportunity to state his position.
3 Amended by Annex No 30 of the Federal Act of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, in force since 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
If the defendant has applied for asylum under the Asylum Act of 26 June 19982, the Federal Office and the appellate authority shall consult the files from the asylum proceedings when deciding on extradition.
1 Inserted by No 3 of the FA of 1 Oct 2010 on the Coordination of Asylum and Extradition Procedures, in force since 1 April 2011 (AS 2011 925; BBl 2010 1467).
does not give notice within five days of the issue of the ruling that he will file an appeal.
2 If extradition is refused, the Federal Office shall release the person concerned from detention with a view to extradition.
1 The Federal Office shall issue the necessary rulings in agreement with the cantonal authorities.
2 It shall notify the requesting State of the decision as well as of the date and place of extradition.
1 Extradition may be postponed provided the person to be extradited is being prosecuted in Switzerland for other offences or if he has to serve a sentence involving deprivation of liberty.
the requesting State has guaranteed to keep the defendant in custody during his stay in that State and will return him regardless of his nationality.
2 If an authority, or a third party with rights acquired in good faith, or the victim who lives in Switzerland asserts rights over the objects or assets which can serve as evidence, their handing over shall be subject to the condition that the requesting State guarantees their return without costs after the conclusion of its proceedings.
gifts and other benefits which served to instigate the offence or recompense the perpetrator for the offence, as well as their replacement value.
a person not involved in the offence and whose claims are not guaranteed by the requesting State shows probable cause that he has acquired rights over the objects and assets in good faith in Switzerland, or, if he is habitually resident in Switzerland, in a foreign country.
5 Objects or assets mentioned in the first paragraph and which are required for pending criminal proceedings in Switzerland may also be retained in Switzerland.
the justification of the claim is recognised by a Swiss judicial authority.
7 The handing over of objects and assets is not dependent on the execution of the extradition of the defendant.
1 Amended by No I of the FA of 4 October 1996, in force since 1 February 1997 (AS 1997 114 130; BBl 1995 III 1).
3 Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2004 on the Division of Forfeited Assets, in force since 1 August 2004 (AS 2004 3503; BBl 2002 441).
1 If objects or assets are handed over and their return is waived, the customs lien or any other real liability under Swiss customs or tax law shall not be claimed if the owner who suffered loss as a result of the offence does not personally owe the duty or tax.
2 The waiver of such a fiscal lien may be made dependent on reciprocity.
If the requesting State does not take the necessary steps to take over the person to be extradited within ten days of notification of the execution order, he shall be released. This time limit may be extended up to 30 days in response to a justified request from the requesting State.
1 In the event of extradition to a foreign country, the Swiss Confederation shall pay the costs of detention and transportation provided that it is customary in international relations for the requested State to pay such costs.
2 The personal property of the defendant may be used to cover the costs provided it does not have to be handed over to the requesting State.
4 Assistance may also be granted to the European Court of Human Rights and to the European Commission on Human Rights in proceedings regarding the safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
5 Assistance which will exonerate a defendant is permitted even if the request is inadmissible under Articles 3-5.
2 Amended by No I of the FA of 4 October 1996, in force since 1 February 1997 (AS 1997 114 130; BBl 1995 III 1).
3 Amended by No I of the FA of 4 October 1996, in force since 1 February 1997 (AS 1997 114 130; BBl 1995 III 1).
1 Measures under Article 63 which require the use of procedural compulsion may be ordered only if the description of the circumstances of the case indicates that the offence being prosecuted abroad contains the objective elements of an offence under Swiss law. The measures must be carried out in accordance with Swiss law.
1 Amended by Annex No 16 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 2006 7001).
2 Amended by Annex No 4 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 3459; BBl 1999 1979).
forms necessary to obtain other evidence that is admissible in court may be taken into consideration.
2 Forms for obtaining and affirming evidence according to paragraph 1 must be compatible with Swiss law, and no essential prejudice may result therefrom to the persons involved.
3 A person may also refuse to testify provided the law of the requesting State so provides or if the fact of testifying may cause criminal or disciplinary sanctions to be imposed under the laws of that State or of the State where the examined person lives.
1 When the requesting State, based on its law, so requests, persons who are participating in proceedings abroad may be authorised to attend mutual assistance proceedings and to have access to the files.
2 Their presence may also be permitted if it substantially helps to facilitate the execution of the request or the foreign criminal proceedings.
3 Their presence may not lead to their obtaining access to information within the scope of secrecy before the appropriate authority has decided whether, and to what extent, assistance may be granted.
1 Assistance may be denied if the defendant resides in Switzerland and proceedings are already pending here regarding the offence to which the request relates.
1 Information and documents obtained through mutual assistance may not be used for investigative purposes or as evidence in the requesting State in any proceedings relating to an offence for which assistance is not admissible.
the foreign criminal proceedings are directed against other persons who have participated in committing the offence.
3 Presence at the mutual assistance proceedings and access to the files shall be permitted under the same conditions (Art. 65a para.1).
facilitate an ongoing criminal investigation.
2 The transmission as defined in paragraph 1 does not have any effect on the criminal proceedings pending in Switzerland.
3 The transmission of evidence to a State with which Switzerland does not have an international agreement shall be subject to authorisation by the Federal Office.
4 Paragraphs 1 and 2 do not apply to evidence that is subject to the rules on secrecy.
5 Information that is subject to the rules on secrecy may be transmitted if it may enable the foreign State to present a request for mutual assistance.
6 A record shall be made of each spontaneous transmission.
1 Where a Swiss authority is requested to serve documents, service may be effected by personal or postal delivery to the recipient.
2 The Federal Council may permit the direct service of documents from abroad to the recipient in Switzerland. It shall determine the conditions for such service.
3 Service is presumed to be effected if acceptance or refusal to accept has been confirmed in writing.
1 There is no obligation to comply for any person who accepts a summons to appear before a foreign authority.
2 Summonses containing threats of compulsion shall not be served.
3 Service of a summons may be made subject to the condition that the recipient is guaranteed safe conduct for an appropriate period of time and will not be prevented from freely leaving the territory of the requesting State. If the recipient so requires, the authority effecting service shall ask the requesting State to give a written assurance thereof before proof of service is furnished.
1 Persons held in custody in Switzerland may be transferred to a foreign authority for the purpose of investigations if they are guaranteed safe conduct and if it is guaranteed that they will be kept in custody and returned to Switzerland on request.
2 Persons who are not indicted abroad and Swiss citizens may be transferred only with their written consent. This is not necessary if the transfer is required for the execution of a Swiss request or for confrontation with other persons abroad.
1 If a detained person is surrendered to the Swiss authorities in the course of an act of assistance, the warrant for his arrest issued abroad shall also be valid in Switzerland for the period of his stay in Switzerland.
2 During transit the defendant shall be kept in custody by virtue of the order for transit given by the Federal Office.
3 In those cases the detained person may be released only with the agreement of the competent foreign authority.
1 A person habitually resident abroad and who appears in Switzerland in a criminal case pursuant to a summons may neither be prosecuted nor restricted in his personal freedom for reasons that occurred prior to his entry into Switzerland.
2 The defendant shall enjoy no safe conduct regarding the offences specified in the summons.
3 The safe conduct provided for in paragraph 1 shall cease when this person leaves Switzerland but at the latest three days after he is permitted to leave by the summoning authorities.
1 On request, objects, documents or assets seized as evidence as well as records and decisions shall be made available to the competent foreign authority after conclusion of the mutual assistance proceedings (Art. 80d).
2 If a third party with rights acquired in good faith, an authority, or the victim who is habitually resident in Switzerland claim that they have rights over the objects, documents or assets under paragraph 1, their handing over shall be subject to the condition that the requesting State gives the guarantee to return them free of charge after the conclusion of the proceedings.
3 Return may be delayed if the objects, documents or assets are necessary for criminal proceedings pending in Switzerland.
4 Article 60 applies to fiscal liens.
1 On request, objects or assets subject to a precautionary seizure may be handed over to the competent foreign authority after conclusion of the mutual assistance proceedings (Art. 80d) for the purpose of forfeiture or return to the person entitled.
gifts and other contributions which served to instigate the offence or recompense the offender, as well as their replacement value.
3 The handing over may take place at any stage of the foreign proceedings, normally based on a final and executable decision from the requesting State.
the objects or assets are necessary for pending criminal proceedings in Switzerland or appear, because of their nature, to be subject to forfeiture in Switzerland.
the claim has been recognised by a Swiss court.
6 Article 60 applies to fiscal liens.
1 Inserted by No I of the FA of 4 October 1996, in force since 1 February 1997 (AS 1997 114 130; BBl 1995 III 1).
1 Requests for assistance may be submitted by authorities that are competent to investigate offences or make decisions in other proceedings to which this Act is applicable.
2 Swiss authorities may also accept requests for the execution of procedural acts from the parties authorised to make them if those acts are incumbent upon the parties under the laws of the requesting State.
1 The commissioners of police of the Confederation and of the cantons may make a request under Article 63 on their own behalf and may grant such requests emanating from foreign authorities.
requests for the handing over of criminal decisions or criminal files.
with requests for search of persons or rooms, for seizure or handing over of objects: confirmation that these measures are permitted in the requesting State.
1 Foreign requests shall be addressed to the appropriate cantonal authority through the intermediary of the Federal Office.
2 Requests for extracts from the Register of Convictions or for determining the identity of a person shall be addressed to the Federal Office2.
2 The designation of the administrative unit has been adapted according to Art. 16 para. 3 of the Publications Ordinance of 17 November 2004 (SR 170.512.1).
1 The Federal Office shall receive foreign requests unless provision is made for direct transmission to the competent cantonal or federal executing authority.
2 The Federal Office shall summarily examine whether the request meets the formal requirements of this Act and shall forward it to the appropriate executing authority unless the request clearly appears to be inadmissible.
3 If necessary, the Federal Office shall return the request to the requesting State for improvement or completion.
4 Receipt and transmission of the request to the competent authority are not subject to appeal.
5 The procedural provisions of Article 18 are reserved.
2 The Federal Office may delegate all or part of the execution of a request to the federal authority which would be competent if the offence had been committed in Switzerland.
3 The Federal Office may also entrust the execution of supplementary requests to the authority to which execution was delegated.
4 The designation of the cantonal or federal authority responsible shall not be subject to appeal.
the cases are complex or particularly important.
1 The request shall be subject to preliminary examination by the cantonal or federal authority responsible for its execution.
2 If the request cannot be granted, the executing authority shall return it to the requesting authority by the same channel through which it was received.
1 The executing authority shall issue a summary ruling on whether to consider the case and shall order the mutual assistance measures permitted.
2 It shall execute the mutual assistance measures in accordance with its own procedural law.
1 The persons entitled may participate in the proceedings and have access to the files provided this is necessary to safeguard their interests.
in the interest of Swiss proceedings.
3 Access to the files or participation in the proceedings may only be denied in the case of files or procedural measures for reasons of confidentiality.
1 The persons entitled, and in particular the holders of documents, information or assets may consent to handing them over without formality at any time prior to the conclusion of the proceedings. Consent is irrevocable.
2 If all the persons entitled give their consent, the competent authority shall make a written record thereof and conclude the proceedings.
3 If only some of the documents, information or assets required are handed over, the ordinary proceedings shall be followed for the remaining part.
When the executing authority determines that the request is completely or partially executed, it shall issue a ruling giving reasons on whether mutual assistance is granted and to what extent.
1 The ruling of the executing cantonal or federal authority on the conclusion of the mutual assistance proceedings together with the preceding interim rulings shall be subject to appeal to the Appeals Chamber of the Federal Criminal Court.
the presence of persons involved in the foreign proceedings.
3 Article 80l paragraphs 2 and 3 applies by analogy.
any person who is personally and directly affected by a mutual assistance measure and has a legitimate interest in that measure being annulled or modified.
the inadmissible or manifestly incorrect application of foreign law in the cases under Article 65.
The deadline for appeal against the final ruling shall be 30 days, or ten days in the case of an interim ruling, from the written communication of the ruling.
2 An interim ruling preceding the final ruling may be executed immediately.
the entitled person living abroad and with an address for service of documents in Switzerland.
2 The right to notification shall end when the ruling concluding the mutual assistance proceedings becomes legally enforceable.
1 Holders of documents have the right to inform their clients of the existence of the request and of all the facts relating thereto unless the competent authority has, as an exception, expressly prohibited this and made reference to Article 292 of the Swiss Criminal Code1 and the penalties that it carries.
2 The person entitled who intervenes in pending proceedings may no longer challenge rulings that have become legally enforceable.
1 If additional information is necessary, the executing or the appellate authority shall request the Federal Office to obtain it from the requesting State.
2 If necessary, the competent authority shall suspend dealing with all or part of the request and rule on the points that may be dealt with based on the documents available.
3 The Federal Office shall give the requesting State an appropriate deadline by which to respond. If the deadline given is not respected, the request for mutual assistance shall be examined based on the documents available.
1 The executing and the appellate authority as well as the Federal Office may make the granting of mutual assistance wholly or partly subject to certain conditions.
2 The Federal Office shall communicate the conditions to the requesting State when the ruling on the granting and the extent of the mutual assistance is final and shall give it an appropriate deadline by which to accept or refuse. If the deadline given is not respected, mutual assistance may be granted on the points that are not subject to conditions.
3 The Federal Office shall examine if the response of the requesting State satisfies the conditions set.
the return of objects or assets for the purpose of restitution to the person entitled.
it is guaranteed that the requesting State will not prosecute him for the same offence after acquittal or completing a sentence in Switzerland.
2 A foreign national who is habitually resident in Switzerland may also be prosecuted in Switzerland if his extradition cannot be justified and prosecution in Switzerland seems appropriate with regard to his personal situation and social rehabilitation.
1 The offence shall be judged according to Swiss law as if it had been committed in Switzerland.
2 The foreign law applies if it is more lenient. The court may impose only the sentences provided for by Swiss law.
3 Proceedings in the absence of the defendant are not permitted.
If Swiss jurisdiction is not yet established, it shall be determined in accordance with Article 32 CrimPC2.
1 Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085).
he is extradited to this State and the transfer of the prosecution offers the prospect of better social rehabilitation.
if, according to the decision made in the requested State, the conditions of Article 5 letter a or b are met.
3 If the defendant was extradited to the requested State for other offences, this State need not observe the conditions of extradition in accordance with Article 38 provided it grants the request for prosecution.
In addition to the documents specified in Article 28 paragraph 3, the record of criminal proceedings as well as any evidentiary productions must be enclosed with the request.
1 The Federal Office shall decide on whether to accept the foreign request after consulting the prosecuting authorities.
2 If it accepts the request, it shall transmit the file to the prosecuting authority and notify the requesting State and the person concerned.
3 The decision does not create an obligation to institute criminal proceedings.
4 The Federal Office may refuse to assume responsibility for the prosecution if there is good cause not to do so or if the seriousness of the offence does not justify it.
Any investigative measure carried out by the authorities of the requesting State under its law shall be considered equivalent to a corresponding Swiss investigative measure.
1 The costs of the proceedings set by the requesting State shall be added to the costs of the proceedings in Switzerland and collected. They are not refunded to the requesting State.
3 The requested State shall be notified of the costs of the proceedings incurred in Switzerland if the requested State takes over the prosecution. Their reimbursement shall not be requested.
2 Amended by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2004 on the Division of Forfeited Assets, in force since 1 August 2004 (AS 2004 3503; BBl 2002 441).
enforcement in Switzerland seems to be appropriate for one of the reasons specified in Article 85 paragraphs 1 and 2 or likely to be barred in the requesting State.
2 Sentences imposed abroad shall be executed provided they do not exceed the maximum penalty provided by Swiss law for a corresponding offence. Sentences that remain below the minimum penalty according to Swiss law may be executed.
4 Fines as well as costs arising from proceedings under Article 63 may also be enforced if the convicted person is habitually resident abroad but has assets at his disposal in Switzerland and if the requesting State grants reciprocity.
the offence is also subject to Swiss jurisdiction and no sentence could be imposed under Swiss law for other reasons.
2 Decisions on costs shall be declared enforceable only if the costs are to be paid to the State.
1 The amendment in accordance with Art. 97 ff.. of the Swiss Criminal Code (SR 311.0) contains a limitation system (AS 2006 3459; BBl 1999 1979).
it is of the opinion that the convicted person has good reason to oppose the enforcement of a judgment or penalty order that was issued in his absence and which is no longer subject to a right of objection or appeal under the law of the requesting State.
In assessing criminal liability and the possibility of prosecution under Swiss law, the court shall be bound to the findings in fact on which the decision relies. If they do not suffice, the gathering of evidence may be ordered.
If Switzerland assumes responsibility for enforcement, no criminal proceedings against the convicted person for the same offence may be instituted or continued here.
1 If the conditions of Article 94 paragraph 1 are not met, sentences involving restriction of liberty that have been imposed on a non-Swiss national in another State may be enforced in Switzerland under Swiss law if the other State cannot execute them itself.
2 In this case, the final and enforceable foreign decision shall constitute the legal basis for the restriction of the convicted person's liberty.
3 If persons are surrendered to Switzerland in accordance with paragraph 1, then unless arrangements to the contrary have been made with the competent authorities of the surrendering State, they may neither be prosecuted nor punished nor extradited to a third State by the Swiss authorities for offences that they committed before their surrender and that were not the subject of their conviction. These effects shall expire ten days after release on parole or final release from the institution.
4 The Federal Council shall regulate the details.
the transfer of enforcement is likely to improve the prospects of the social rehabilitation of the convicted person or if Switzerland cannot obtain his extradition.
1 The convicted person who is detained in Switzerland may only be transferred with a view to enforcement of the judgment under Article 100 if he agrees and if the requested State is expected to accept the conditions set by the Federal Office.
1 Inserted by article 2 of the Federal Decree of 19 December 2003, in force since 1 October 2004 (AS 2004 4161 4162; BBl 2002 4340).
1 If another State enforces the criminal judgment, the Swiss authority shall abandon enforcement provided the requested State has not given notice that it will not conclude it.
2 The convicted person may be taken into custody so as to ensure his transfer.
3 Article 89 paragraphs 2 and 3 apply by analogy.
if the requested State so requests, the original or officially authenticated copy of the criminal file.
1 After consulting with the authority which will execute the request, the Federal Office shall decide whether to accept the foreign request. If it accepts, it shall convey the file and its opinion to the executing authority and inform the requesting State. Article 91 paragraph 4 applies by analogy.
2 If there is Swiss jurisdiction and if a sentence which is more severe than the one provided by Swiss law was imposed abroad, the prosecution may be taken over instead of the enforcement of the judgment if the requesting State so requests.
The competent court under Article 32 CrimPC2 shall inform the convicted person of the applicable procedure, hear him on the matter, as well as his counsel, and decide on enforcement.
1 The court shall examine ex officio whether the conditions for enforcement are met and gather the necessary evidence.
2 If the conditions are met, the court shall declare that the decision may be enforced and take the measures necessary for enforcement.
3 The decision shall be made in the form of a judgment containing a statement of the rationale therefor. Cantonal law shall provide for an appeal.
1 The sentence determined by the court shall be executed in accordance with Swiss law.
2 Execution shall be discontinued if the decision is no longer enforceable in the requesting State.
3 If enforcement relates solely to a decision on costs, the amounts collected after deduction of the costs incurred shall be transferred to the requesting State if it guarantees reciprocity.
In addition to the costs for the execution of the sentence, the costs of exequatur proceedings and other enforcement measures shall also be regarded as costs in accordance with Article 31.
1 The Federal Act of 22 January 1892 on Extradition to Foreign States1 is hereby repealed.
2 The amendments may be consulted under AS 1982 846.
1 Extradition proceedings which are pending on the commencement of this Act shall be completed in accordance with the procedural provisions of the Federal Act of 22 January 18921 on Extradition to Foreign States.
2 The prosecution and the enforcement of decisions in accordance with Parts Four and Five of this Act may be taken over only if the offence to which the request refers was committed after the commencement of this Act.
3 Requests for extradition or other assistance in relation to offences which under Article 75bis of the Swiss Criminal Code2 or Article 56bis of the Military Criminal Code3 are not subject to a time limit may be granted by the Federal Council even if, on the date that these provisions come into force, the prosecution or the penalty is time barred.
The provisions of the amendment of 4 October 1996 to this Act apply to all proceedings pending when such provisions come into force.
The previous law applies to appeal proceedings against rulings issued by the court of first instance before this amendment comes into force.
1 Inserted by Annex No 30 of the FA of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Administrative Court, in force since 1 January 2007 (AS 2006 2197; BBl 2001 4202).
2 It may establish a standing committee to examine the question of whether the seriousness of the offence justifies the disclosure of classified information. The members of the committee are bound to secrecy like officials of the Confederation.

References: Art. 59
 Art. 97
 Art. 16
 Art. 16
 Art. 97
 Art. 2
 Art. 16
 Art. 97