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EU sanctions against Jacques Baud

An attack on freedom of expression and Swiss sovereignty

by the “Leonhard Circle”*

(16 January 2026) The Leonhard Circle strongly condemns the EU sanctions against Swiss citizen and renowned military analyst Jacques Baud. These measures, imposed on 15 December 2025, constitute a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of expression that characterises the rule of law and undermine Switzerland's neutrality and freedom.

Francesca Albanese and the lonely road of defiance

by Chris Hedges,* USA

(16 January 2026) (CH-S) Following the abduction of the Venezuelan president and his wife by the US military, which violated international law, there has been little coverage in the public media of the catastrophic conditions in Gaza and the illegal “sanctioning” of UN employees who draw attention to these conditions. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese draws attention to the conditions in Gaza. For this reason, she is on the US blacklist and is treated like a terrorist.

Switzerland–EU

With the new EU agreements, Switzerland is being relegated to the level of developing and emerging countries

by Carl Baudenbacher,* Zurich/Luxembourg

(16 January 2026) The idea of a framework agreement was originally a Swiss invention. The dispute settlement model, on the other hand, is inspired by EU’s agreements with former Soviet republics. The chronicle of a capitulation.

The EU protects itself – from democracy

by Gudula Walterskirchen*

Elon Musk recently criticised the current EU system as a bureaucracy, not a democracy. The European Commission, for its part, has initiated a “shield for democracy” that is intended to guarantee fundamental democratic values and the rule of law. But what about respect for the rule of law and democratic principles within the EU itself? Is Musk right?

Assange files complaint to block Machado from Nobel

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to pro-war Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela violates Swedish law

by Joe Lauria,* Special to Consortium News

(9 January 2026) The WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint in Sweden to block the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize and $1.18 million to Maria Corina Machado. On Wednesday [17 December] WikiLeaks said:

Switzerland

The case Jacques Baud – hopefully an eye-opener

What is the Federal Council doing?

by David Vogelsanger*

(9 January 2026) The facts are known. On 15 December, the EU Commission has added to its list of sanctioned persons Jacques Baud, a Swiss citizen of good standing living in Brussels, for alleged pro-Russian propaganda in connection with the Ukrainian-Russian war. Along with people who actually may or may not be real Russian propagandists. Baud is not accused of any crime.