The four illegal satellite dishes which allegedly spy on Switzerland from the roof of the Russian mission in Geneva were invited on Monday to the traditional question time for national advisors at the Federal Council. Indeed, Nicolas Walder (Greens/GE) wanted to know if the Russian mission “was above the law”.
This after the revelation in mid-November by the RTS program “Mise au Point” that the building of the permanent mission of the Russian Federation to the UN in Geneva had no less than seven parabolic antennas, including four which had never been the subject of an authorization request from the canton. Worse: Russian spies are carrying out intelligence operations, sabotage, and even assassination attempts. Suddenly, the elected official wanted to know if the Federal Council was aware and if it intended to act.
It was the head of Defense Viola Amherd who responded to him on Monday. As for possible espionage activities, the Federal Intelligence Service regularly informs the Federal Council of the actions of foreign powers in Switzerland, she said. “But for security reasons, no information can be given publicly,” she added.
For the rest, diplomatic missions located in Switzerland are required to respect the laws and regulations of the State in which they are established, recalls the elected official. As a result, Switzerland contacted the Geneva authorities responsible for construction, explained the President of the Confederation. “On this basis, it will intervene through diplomatic channels with the representation concerned, so that it takes the necessary steps to bring its infrastructure into compliance.” In short: the Russian mission will have to comply or remove its illegal antennas…
