Winterthur Stabbing Case: Swiss Probe Digital Evidence.
The Swiss Attorney General’s Office is currently unable to access the electronic devices of a 31-year-old Turkish-Swiss man accused of a knife attack that injured three people in Winterthur, as legal proceedings over data access continue.
Federal prosecutor Stefan Blättler confirmed that the suspect has objected to the search of his laptop and mobile phone. As a result, authorities have submitted an application to the coercive measures court requesting permission to unlock and examine the devices. A decision is still pending.
Blättler explained that investigators are currently unable to review critical digital evidence, including communication records and messages that could reveal the suspect’s contacts before the attack. He emphasized that such information is essential for understanding potential links to other individuals or networks.
According to the prosecutor, electronic devices have become one of the most important sources of evidence in modern criminal investigations. However, legal protections around data “sealing” can delay access. This procedure was originally designed to protect sensitive or unrelated personal data, such as privileged legal correspondence or private information not relevant to investigations.
Blättler noted that while sealing was appropriate in an earlier legal era dominated by paper documents, it has become increasingly challenging in the digital age. He warned that prolonged delays in accessing data could hinder investigations, particularly in urgent cases involving public safety risks.
The federal prosecutor suggested that reforms may be needed to balance privacy protections with investigative urgency. He indicated that authorities may need faster access to seized data in certain cases, while still protecting legally privileged or irrelevant information.
The suspect is currently in pre-trial detention. He is accused of carrying out a violent attack at Winterthur station on May 28, where three men were injured, one seriously. The day before the incident, he had reportedly been in a psychiatric facility.
Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation for attempted multiple murder and alleged involvement in or support of a terrorist organization. The case remains under active judicial review as investigators await access to key digital evidence.