The Swiss military justice system has initiated 24 proceedings against Swiss citizens suspected of having fought in Ukraine, including one on the Russian side and 23 on the Ukrainian side. Among these volunteers is Jona Neidhart, a 36-year-old from Zurich. Recently returned after two years on the Ukrainian front, he criticizes what he sees as the “hypocrisy of Switzerland” regarding this conflict.
Back in Switzerland for two months, Jona Neidhart expresses pride in having fought for the Ukrainians and for freedom. Today, he considers himself fortunate, having suffered neither war wounds nor psychological trauma, despite the brutality of the conflict.
“The Russians are significantly more numerous and disregard any rules on the battlefield. This forces us to confront an enemy that is absolutely brutal and devoid of conscience,” he recounted during the 7:30 p.m. news on RTS.
Confronted by the shock of the invasion
Stunned by the Russian invasion in March 2022, Jona Neidhart, then 34, abandoned his university studies in Bern to enlist in the Ukrainian army’s International Legion, “Slava Ukraina.”
He served for two years in the “Bravo” company, which suffered heavy losses. “One of my comrades died last November. We had to retrieve his body. He was decapitated,” he recalls.
Despite the horrors he faced, he asserts that he understands the reasons for his fight and maintains his motivation on the battlefield. As he traveled through liberated areas, Ukrainian civilians expressed immense gratitude: “They thanked us and said they finally felt liberated from these ‘Russian monsters’; it was truly beautiful.” In Ukraine, Jona Neidhart believes he fought for democracy.
From the front line to the courts
On June 13, the Zurich native returned to Switzerland and voluntarily reported to military justice, as it is illegal in the country to fight for a foreign army. He hopes to receive the maximum sentence of three years in prison.
According to him, this provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about the absurdity of condemning someone who is fighting for a just cause, which he believes the entire West, including Switzerland, depends on.
However, it is uncertain whether the Swiss military justice system will impose a harsh penalty. The sentence might be limited to a fine. Indeed, the motivations of a Swiss citizen serving in a foreign army can influence the outcome of the case.
Writing as a tool for denunciation
While awaiting trial, he is prohibited from leaving Switzerland, a situation he finds challenging. He wishes to contribute more, as in his view, “every day, innocent people are being killed and massacred by the Russians.”
Now, he continues his fight through a book in which he denounces the insufficient military equipment supplied to Ukraine by the West.
TV topic: Julien Guillaume
Adaptation web: Miroslav Mares
The Swiss Military Justice System: Examining Recent Proceedings Against Fighters in Ukraine
The Context of Military Volunteerism in Switzerland
The Swiss military justice system has recently launched proceedings against 24 Swiss citizens suspected of participating in the conflict in Ukraine. Among these, 23 are believed to have engaged with Ukrainian forces, while one has reportedly fought on the Russian side. These cases highlight a significant ethical and legal dilemma in Switzerland regarding military volunteerism and the wars in Ukraine.
Jona Neidhart: A Case Study
One of the most notable individuals involved is Jona Neidhart, a 36-year-old from Zurich. He recently returned to Switzerland after spending two years on the Ukrainian front. His experiences have compelled him to speak out against what he describes as the “hypocrisy of Switzerland,” especially in terms of legal repercussions for those who volunteer to fight in foreign conflicts.
Reflecting on His Experiences
Neidhart proudly states, “I consider myself a miracle,” reflecting on his lack of significant injuries or psychological impacts from the war’s horrors. He shared his thoughts regarding the “enormous” challenges faced while fighting against Russian forces, describing them as a “brutal and conscience-less” enemy.
Motivation for Enlistment
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, Neidhart felt a calling to act. He left his university studies in Bern and enlisted in the Ukrainian army’s International Legion, known as “Slava Ukraina”. His commitment stemmed from a deep sense of justice and a desire to fight for democracy.
Understanding the Legal Implications
Upon returning to Switzerland on June 13, Neidhart voluntarily presented himself to military justice, knowing the risks associated with fighting for a foreign army in Switzerland. In this country, such acts are considered illegal, and he faces potential sentencing, including a maximum term of three years in prison.
Potential Outcomes of Legal Proceedings
Although Neidhart hopes for maximum accountability through a prison sentence, he acknowledges that the Swiss military justice system might not be as stringent as anticipated. Factors like the motivations behind a Swiss citizen’s decision to serve in a foreign military can influence the severity of the sentence, with outcomes potentially ranging from fines to more serious consequences.
A Battle Beyond the Battlefield
While he awaits trial, Jona Neidhart confronts the challenge of remaining in Switzerland, a situation he finds confining. He expresses a strong desire to continue advocating for Ukraine, stating, “Every day, innocent people are killed, massacred by the Russians.” To channel his passion and voice against the war, Neidhart is currently working on a book that critiques the insufficient military support provided by the West to Ukraine.
Public Sentiment and the Need for Discussion
The situation surrounding individuals like Jona Neidhart raises essential discussions on humanitarian concerns, legal frameworks, and military ethics. The Swiss public has a mixed response to volunteer soldiers, especially against the backdrop of a conflict as significant and impactful as the war in Ukraine.
Benefits of Dialogue on Military Engagement
- Increased awareness of humanitarian crises
- Understanding the legal ramifications of military engagement abroad
- Potential for policy change regarding military volunteers
The Dividing Line: Legal vs. Moral Responsibilities
The debate encapsulated in Neidhart’s journey brings to light the complex relationship between a person’s moral responsibility to aid those in distress and the legal implications associated with such actions. Volunteers fighting in foreign conflicts often do so for altruistic reasons, valuing democracy and human rights, but they may also face severe consequences back home.
Reactions from Different Sectors
| Sector | Reaction to Military Volunteers |
|---|---|
| Public | Mixed, with some supporting, others opposing involvement. |
| Legal Experts | Debating the necessity for clearer laws on military engagement. |
| Human Rights Activists | Support for volunteers as defenders of democracy. |
Calls for Reassessment of Switzerland’s Military Engagement Policies
As the debates continue, voices in Switzerland are calling for a reassessment of current policies concerning military volunteerism. They advocate for laws that balance legal accountability with the moral imperatives felt by individuals like Neidhart. This examination could lead to significant changes in how Switzerland approaches issues of international volunteerism during crises.
The Future of Military Justice in Switzerland
The outcome of Jona Neidhart’s case may serve as a critical juncture for military justice in Switzerland. It could set precedents for how the country navigates the tricky waters of civilian military engagement in international conflicts. As this unfolding situation gains more public attention, discussions around human rights, state responsibility, and individual liberties are likely to intensify.
