Zurich Court sentences Junge Tat leaders to suspended prison terms

The District Court of Zurich has sentenced the two leaders of the far-right group Junge Tat, Tobias Lingg and Manuel Corchia, to 12 months of suspended prison sentences. Both men must also pay immediate fines. The court also issued suspended fines for three other members, while one female defendant was acquitted.

The convictions stem from several actions carried out between 2022 and 2024 in Zurich, Basel, and St. Gallen. Key incidents included the disruption of a Pride religious service in a Zurich church, where the group placed a cross labeled “No Pride Month,” and the interruption of a “Drag Story Time” event for children. The defendants were found guilty of charges including incitement to hatred, discrimination, coercion, and breach of the peace.

While the prosecution had requested 15 months of imprisonment, including six months to be served without probation, the court opted for a four-year probationary period. The defendants, who argued their actions were protected by freedom of expression, have indicated they will appeal the verdict.