The Swiss government has signaled indirect support for BNP Paribas as the French bank appeals a New York court ruling that found it liable for financing the genocidal regime of Omar al-Bashir in Sudan.
The development marks a significant escalation in the legal and diplomatic dimensions of the case, which centers on transactions processed through BNP's Geneva subsidiary.
The Swiss government's stance, reported by Le Temps, suggests Bern is willing to back the bank's legal position, potentially complicating the US judicial process.
The bank was condemned by a US court last autumn for its role in facilitating funds to the Sudanese government during the Darfur conflict.
BNP Paribas has consistently denied wrongdoing and pursued an appeal, arguing that the transactions were conducted in compliance with international law at the time.
The Swiss government's stance, reported by Le Temps, suggests Bern is willing to back the bank's legal position, potentially complicating the US judicial process.
This case remains a focal point for discussions on extraterritorial jurisdiction and the liability of financial institutions for historical human rights abuses.