Italians Reject Judicial Reform in Referendum Blow to Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat after voters rejected her government’s judicial reform in a national referendum, but made clear she would remain in power.
Muslim Files Human Rights Appeal against Swiss Minaret Ban
World | December 17, 2009, Thursday // 12:47
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
An appeal is lodged at the European Court of Human Rights against the Swiss ban on minaret construction. Photo by swissinfo.ch
An appeal against the recent Swiss referendum decision to ban the construction of minarets, has been lodged with the European Court of Human Rights.
Hafid Ouardiri, and Algerian-born Muslim and former spokesperson for the Geneva Mosque wants the court to rule that the ban breaches the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Swiss federal government had urged voters to reject the ban, warning it would contravene human rights and religious freedom. International condemnation followed the referendum result.
The Strasbourg court will now determine whether the complaint is “formally receivable” – this process could take up to 18 months. If the request is ruled admissible, it could be several years before a ruling is made.
Related Articles:
Ukraine Marks Anniversary of Russia’s Sham Crimea Referendum
On March 16, 2026, Ukraine marked twelve years since Russia staged a sham referendum in Crimea, a move widely condemned as illegal by the international community.
Switzerland Faces Controversial Vote to Limit Population to 10 Million
Switzerland is set to hold a nationwide referendum this summer on whether to cap its population at 10 million by 2050, an initiative spearheaded by the right-wing, anti-immigration Swiss People’s Party (SVP)
World | February 13, 2026, Friday // 12:00
Ukraine Faces Crucial Choice as Zelenskyy Prepares Election and Peace Referendum Plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to present a roadmap for holding presidential elections on February 24, together with a proposal for a nationwide referendum on a potential peace agreement with Russia.
Parliament Rejects President Radev’s Call for a Referendum on Bulgaria’s Euro Adoption
The National Assembly rejected President Rumen Radev’s request to hold a referendum on whether Bulgaria should adopt the euro in 2026
Politics | December 3, 2025, Wednesday // 15:15
Bulgaria: Expert Warns New Euro Referendum Push Is 'Unconstitutional and Hopeless'
A new attempt to call a referendum aimed at delaying Bulgaria’s transition to the euro would once again be unconstitutional and ultimately futile
Politics | November 26, 2025, Wednesday // 11:30
Putin Declares Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine War
The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an “Easter ceasefire” in the war in Ukraine, declaring a temporary halt in hostilities lasting around 36 hours
EU Panic Deepens Over Hungary-Russia Ties and Possible Secret Leaks
A group of Members of the European Parliament has raised concerns over the potential leakage of confidential EU information to Russia, urging stronger safeguards within the European Parliament
Moldova Breaks Away From Russia-Led Bloc in Major Political Shock Move
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has formally enacted legislation withdrawing the country from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), marking a decisive step in Chisinau’s gradual disengagement from Russian-led structures
World | April 9, 2026, Thursday // 18:36
European Prosecutors Raid Bulgaria and Romania in €10M EU Funds Fraud Probe
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has carried out a series of coordinated investigative actions across several countries, including Bulgaria and Romania, as part of a probe into suspected large-scale fraud involving EU funds
Iran and US Clash Over Hormuz Control Despite Announced Pause in Fighting
A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has coincided with escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has moved to tighten control over one of the world’s most critical maritime routes
World | April 9, 2026, Thursday // 14:43
“Not There When We Needed Them”: Trump Unleashes on NATO, Sparks New Crisis
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies over what he described as their unwillingness to support Washington during the war with Iran, following a two-hour meeting with Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House
World | April 9, 2026, Thursday // 10:05
