Blocher investigates paragraphs on secret documents

Last January, three proceedings were opened against two media outlets for publishing secret official documents. Federal Councillor Christoph Blocher now wants to clarify what exactly is meant by secret, as reported by the Basler Zeitung. "The government and administration have a dysfunctional relationship with publicity," Blocher told Baz. "That's why I'm now having it clarified exactly who should have the authority to declare negotiations or documents secret - and according to what criteria this should be done." Blocher is of the opinion that there are "state secrets" worthy of protection. However, the current proceedings against journalists are often "not really about secret matters". The Green Party National Councillor from Zug, Josef Lang, is pulling in the same direction. In a motion, he is calling for the ban on the "publication of official secret proceedings" in the Swiss Criminal Code to be lifted. According to Baz, Lang is of the opinion that the Federal Administration's secrecy restricts media freedom. Almost fifty parliamentarians from all parties in the National Council - including the majority of the responsible legal committee - have signed Lang's motion, which he submitted on Thursday.