Swiss Passport

May Swiss citizens be extradited to other countries?

Dürfen Schweizer Bürgerinnen und Bürger an andere Länder ausgeliefert werden?

Correct answer: D

  1. A No. This is not permitted under any circumstances.Nein. Dies ist unter keinen Umständen erlaubt.
  2. B Yes, but only to countries that are democratically organised.Ja, aber nur an Länder welche demokratisch organisiert sind.
  3. C Yes, but only if the offence is also punishable in Switzerland.Ja, aber nur wenn die Straftat auch in der Schweiz strafbar ist.
  4. D In principle, no. Exceptions apply for trials before international courts.Grundsätzlich nicht. Ausgenommen für Prozesse vor internationalen Gerichten.

Why

The Federal Constitution protects Swiss citizens from being extradited to another state against their will. But international criminal courts are not a foreign state; Switzerland can hand over its own citizens to them.

Exam answer: d. Today: Swiss citizens may be extradited to another state if they themselves agree (Federal Constitution Art. 25, as of 2025).

Common mistakes

A: No. This is not permitted under any circumstances.
It is not completely ruled out. There is an exception for international courts.
B: Yes, but only to countries that are democratically organised.
Switzerland does not extradite its own citizens against their will, not even to democratic states.
C: Yes, but only if the offence is also punishable in Switzerland.
For foreign nationals, the offence also being punishable in Switzerland is only one of several conditions. The Constitution protects Swiss citizens more strongly.

Topic

What is prohibited and what is protected

The Federal Constitution protects the dignity and the life of every person. That is why torture and any cruel or inhuman treatment are prohibited. The death penalty is also prohibited. Other punishments are allowed, for example a fine, prison or community service. The police may not sentence anyone to prison. Anyone who does not agree with a punishment can let a court decide.

Having a say: rights and obligations
Laws and prohibitions

Sources

Last checked: September 2026

Question 98 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.

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