Federal Court Judge Says Affair Was Not Illegal.

Swiss Federal Court judge Yves Donzallaz has publicly defended his past relationship with fellow judge Beatrice van de Graaf, stating that while the affair may have been inappropriate, it was not illegal under Swiss law.

In an interview with the Tamedia newspaper group, Donzallaz explained that the relationship, which lasted for nearly a year, never violated legal requirements governing members of Switzerland’s highest court. According to him, the relationship ended around Easter 2026 and never developed into a shared long-term living arrangement.

The controversy centers on provisions within the Federal Court Act that prohibit judges who are in a long-term cohabitation from serving on the same judicial panels. Donzallaz argued that the legal definition of cohabitation did not apply in their case because they did not share a residence or maintain a common household.

The judge stated that he and van de Graaf spent limited time together and never worked on the same judicial panel during their relationship. As a result, he believes there was no conflict of interest and no legal obligation to disclose the relationship.

The matter gained public attention after media reports revealed the relationship in April. In response, federal judges held an extraordinary meeting in May and concluded that romantic relationships between sitting members of the Federal Court are inconsistent with the court’s professional customs and ethical expectations.

An independent panel of experts is currently examining questions related to judicial independence and governance within Switzerland’s highest court. The panel is expected to submit its findings to the court’s Administrative Commission by the end of June.

Despite the controversy, Donzallaz has confirmed his intention to seek another term on the Federal Court for the 2027–2032 period. He maintains that he acted within the law and believes he has committed no wrongdoing. However, due to age limits, he would leave office in 2029 if re-elected.

The case has sparked a wider national debate about judicial transparency, ethics, and the balance between private life and public responsibility within Switzerland’s legal system.

Swiss Woman Faces Trial Over Gun Threat to Children.

A shocking criminal case in Basel has drawn major public attention after a 70-year-old Swiss woman allegedly threatened children with a loaded firearm during Swiss National Day celebrations. The incident reportedly happened on August 1, 2023, in Aesch, where several children were lighting fireworks near a family garden.

According to prosecutors, the elderly woman became upset because the loud fireworks frightened the dog she was walking. Investigators stated that she first confronted the children and demanded they stop using fireworks. However, when the children did not immediately leave, the situation escalated dramatically.

Authorities claim the woman returned to her apartment, collected a loaded Glock 19 pistol, and walked back toward the children. Prosecutors say she pointed the weapon at three boys and fired a shot into the air close to one child’s head. The prosecution argues that the incident placed the children and nearby residents in serious danger.

The criminal charges against the woman include assault, threatening behaviour, coercion, endangering life, and violations of Swiss weapons laws. Court documents state that the accused did not possess a legal permit to carry the handgun in public at the time of the incident.

The three boys reportedly suffered ear pain and tinnitus after the gunshot and later underwent medical examinations at a children’s hospital. Their parents have filed legal complaints and requested compensation for the emotional and physical distress caused by the frightening encounter.

The trial is taking place in the criminal court in Muttenz near Basel. Swiss authorities continue to emphasize that the presumption of innocence applies until the court delivers its final judgement.

This case has also reopened discussions across Switzerland regarding firearm safety, responsible gun ownership, and public security during national celebrations. The incident has gained widespread attention in Swiss media due to the involvement of children and the dangerous use of a firearm in a residential area.

Former Raiffeisen CEO Faces CHF1 Million Tax Penalty.

Former Raiffeisen Switzerland CEO Pierin Vincenz has reportedly been ordered to pay nearly CHF1 million in fines linked to tax evasion, according to reports published by Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung.

The report states that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court confirmed the sentence in a judgment that recently became legally binding. Swiss tax-related court proceedings are generally not public, which is why the case had remained largely unknown until now.

Authorities allege that Vincenz failed to declare approximately CHF3.4 million in taxable income. In addition to the financial penalty, he could also be required to pay significant backdated taxes.

During the proceedings, Vincenz denied the allegations against him.

The investigation reportedly began after tax authorities in Appenzell Ausserrhoden reviewed a criminal indictment connected to an ongoing case in Zurich and identified suspicious financial transactions.

In 2022, Vincenz and several associates were found guilty of fraud and embezzlement in a separate criminal case involving acquisitions made during his leadership at Raiffeisen. However, appeals against those convictions are still ongoing.

A February 2025 ruling by Switzerland’s highest court reportedly upheld parts of the earlier legal findings, making the latest tax penalty enforceable.

Vincenz continues to face legal scrutiny over accusations that he personally benefited from business deals conducted while serving as chief executive of Raiffeisen. Another appeal hearing in the broader case is expected to take place in August.

The case remains one of the most closely followed financial and corporate governance scandals in modern Swiss banking history.