European court condemns Switzerland for denying vegan meals to detainees

Switzerland has been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for violating the freedom of conscience of a prisoner and a psychiatric patient by refusing them vegan meals. The court found that the Swiss authorities not only denied the individuals their right to adhere to their ethical convictions but also obstructed their ability to seek legal recourse.

The ECHR ruled in favor of both applicants, awarding moral damages. A vegan activist, who spent eleven months in Champ-Dollon prison without balanced meals, received 12,000 euros. A second applicant, who spent two months in a psychiatric hospital, was awarded 4,000 euros.

“

The ruling recognizes for the first time that dietary choices dictated by anti-species convictions must receive the same protection as those based on religious beliefs. This is a major advancement for the rights of vegans and for the animal cause.

Olivier Peter, the lawyer representing the activist, hailed the decision as a major victory. "The ruling recognizes for the first time that dietary choices dictated by anti-species convictions must receive the same protection as those based on religious beliefs," he stated. "This is a major advancement for the rights of vegans and for the animal cause."

Peter emphasized the broad implications of the ruling, suggesting it will affect all 46 member states of the Council of Europe. "This concerns prisons and hospitals, but could also push authorities to adapt their practices for administrative detention centers, the army, and schools," he added, highlighting the potential for wider application beyond correctional facilities.

“

This concerns prisons and hospitals, but could also push authorities to adapt their practices for administrative detention centers, the army, and schools.