ZURICH: The Swiss government proposed on Friday allowing house arrest for people seen as posing a security threat even if they are not suspected of a specific crime.

The step is part of an anti-terrorism package the country is drawing up to plug what it sees as gaps in its legal system when it comes to people it calls “potential threats.”

“At the moment police and justice officials have their hands tied in acting effectively against such people as long as no criminal investigation is under way,” Justice Minister Simonetta Sommargua told a news conference.

She cited the example of three Iraqis convicted in 2016 of supporting banned militant group Daesh who are now free after being released from prison even though authorities still view them as a security threat.

Under the proposals, which are open for comment before they go to parliament, the state could require such people to report regularly to authorities as some soccer hooligans now do, and restrict their movements and contacts.

House arrest would be the last resort and require a judge’s approval.

Reuters