Right to silence
The right to silence protects a suspect or accused person from being compelled to incriminate themselves during criminal proceedings.
In Swiss criminal procedure, the accused must be informed that they may refuse to give evidence and need not assist in proving their own guilt. This protection reflects the broader privilege against self-incrimination and applies during police questioning, prosecutorial proceedings and trial. Silence should not be treated as a confession, although the authorities may assess the evidence as a whole. The right is especially important before legal advice is obtained and when a person’s status changes from witness to suspect.