On October 9, 2024, Switzerland amended its sanctions against individuals in Guinea-Bissau and Syria, modifying the status of certain individuals tied to past military coups and removing others from the sanctions list. Notable changes include the delisting of Na Man Julio, and the adjustment of financial sanctions for Na Bidon Tchipa and Djaló Idrissa. In Syria, Shalaa Mohammed Makhlouf was delisted following a ruling by the EU Court regarding her estrangement from her father, Mohammed Makhlouf.
On October 9, 2024, Switzerland enacted amendments to its sanctions ordinance concerning Guinea-Bissau and Syria. Specific changes were made to the status of individuals associated with past military coups in Guinea-Bissau, while others were delisted, reflecting the evolving assessment of their involvement. In relation to Guinea-Bissau, the entries for Na Bidon Tchipa and Djaló Idrissa have been modified. Although these individuals remain on the sanctions list, they are no longer subject to financial sanctions, having been previously designated due to their alleged roles in the 2012 military coup. Furthermore, Na Man Julio has been removed from the sanctions list, having been implicated in the 2021 coup. With regard to Syria, Shalaa Mohammed Makhlouf has been delisted. This action follows a July 2024 ruling from the European Union Court, which determined that her prior designation, linked to her father, Mohammed Makhlouf, was unjustified due to her estrangement from him since childhood. These adjustments demonstrate Switzerland’s commitment to ensuring that its sanctions framework is reflective of the current circumstances surrounding the individuals named and their allegations.
The context of this article pertains to Switzerland’s sanctions regime, which aims to address issues of political and military misconduct in various countries, specifically Guinea-Bissau and Syria. The actions taken by Switzerland are indicative of a broader international effort to reassess individuals previously sanctioned, in light of changing legal frameworks and evolving geopolitical situations. The original sanctions may have stemmed from actions such as military coups, with decisions regarding listings or delistings reliant upon evidence and legal rulings, such as those from the European Union Court. In Guinea-Bissau, ongoing political turbulence and military involvement have spurred international scrutiny and responses, particularly concerning past coups. On the other hand, in Syria, the dynamics relate to longstanding conflicts and the identification of individuals with reputations linked to the government. The recent rulings suggest an evolving legal landscape where individuals can contest their designations and receive re-evaluation based on personal circumstances.
In summary, Switzerland’s recent amendments to its sanctions lists for Guinea-Bissau and Syria reflect a significant shift in its approach to individuals associated with military actions and governmental ties. The removal of financial sanctions for some individuals while simultaneously delisting others illustrates a commitment to justice and the principles upheld by international law. Such changes underscore the importance of continual reassessment of sanctions based on available evidence and legal judgments, ensuring that the framework remains just and appropriate in the face of shifting political landscapes.
Original Source: globalsanctions.com
