The Swiss Federal Government made a statement regarding the activities of the terrorist organization PKK in the country. In the written statement, it was mentioned that the terrorist organization PKK organizes so-called training camps in Switzerland and breeds terrorists from there. These terrorists are reported to be selected to be sent against the so-called executive cadres of the terrorist organization or the Turkish army. Additionally, it was stated that the PKK terrorist organization raised funds and conducted propaganda activities in Switzerland for financing.

The Swiss Federal Government officially responded to the question motion presented to the Federal Parliament (National Council) in December 2024 by Swiss Free Democratic Party (FDP) Member of Parliament Jacqueline Quattro concerning the presence of the terrorist organization PKK in the country and the activities it carried out.

The written statement made regarding the motion indicated that the PKK organizes camps secretly a few times a year in the country, carrying ideological characteristics aimed at indoctrinating young individuals to join the organization.

The statement indicated that while these camps do not provide armed training, some individuals are chosen directly to be sent against the so-called executive cadres of the PKK or the Turkish army.

The statement emphasized that the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service deals with information related to a possible threat, highlighting that measures are taken to limit the PKK threat in Switzerland and at an international level.

It was stated that the Swiss authorities could not provide a concrete explanation regarding the number of educational camps in the country due to the secretive nature of the camps and lack of information.

RAISING FUNDS AND PROPAGANDA ACTIVITIES The statement also mentioned that PKK raised funds and carried out propaganda activities in Switzerland to finance its operations. The statement included the words, “The Swiss government closely monitors the activities of PKK, and if situations threatening internal or external security are identified, entry bans are imposed. Legal measures have also been taken against activities inciting violence.” Moreover, the Swiss government admitted in the statement that despite claiming to be the “main representative of the autonomous regions in the northeast of Syria,” PKK known as SDG or YPG in Syria, is essentially the same entity.

SWISS INTELLIGENCE CONCERNS The Swiss Federal Intelligence Service had reported in its report titled “Switzerland’s Security in 2024,” published in November, that the terrorist organization PKK secretly raised funds, conducted propaganda, and organized terrorist training camps in Switzerland and other countries. The report mentioned that places like mosques and local venues operated by Turkish missions and organizations were among the potential targets of PKK. The report stated that the PKK propagandizes terrorist organization to young individuals, and selects individuals to recruit for future attacks against the “Turkish army.” The report also mentioned that PKK allied pseudo cultural associations tried to attract new “refugees” and manipulate them in line with PKK’s goals. The report anticipated that PKK collaborates with members of extremist groups with violent leftist ideologies from time to time and that the clandestine activities of the terrorist organization PKK are expected to continue.