Switzerland’s neutrality has not stopped it from advocating for the respect of human rights in undemocratic countries, including support for political prisoners. As authoritarian leaders worldwide feel more empowered, Switzerland is faced with the dilemma how to have meaningful impact and make its voice heard? Natallia Hersche, a Swiss-Belarus dual citizen visiting Minsk on vacation, was detained on September 19, 2020, for participating in an unauthorised protest and harming a police officer. She was accused of causing injury while pulling off the policeman’s balaclava and sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison. In total she spent 17 months behind bars and was released on February 18, 2022. Hersche has denied the charges. Belarusian human rights groups recognised her as a political prisoner. During her time in detention, Switzerland’s foreign ministry was in close contact with Hersche and her family to secure her release. “Switzerland was able to grant Natallia Hersche ...
