The Muslim Brotherhood in Switzerland: Schools and Associations Under Scrutiny Amid Fears of a Breeding Ground for Extremism

Switzerland is currently witnessing an intense debate over the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood and rising concerns about its activities within educational institutions and religious associations.

What was once largely confined to academic and research circles has now moved into the political arena, as fears grow about the Brotherhood’s impact on young people, particularly against the backdrop of early radicalization trends.

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A report published by the European Center for Counterterrorism and Intelligence Studies – Germany and the Netherlands – titled “Political Islam: To What Extent Does the Muslim Brotherhood Represent a Threat in Switzerland?” highlights that the movement operates in multiple spheres, notably education, religion, and civil society, enabling it to penetrate society through indirect channels.

The report warns that this so-called “soft strategy” could, in the long run, foster an environment conducive to extremism, especially among the youth.

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It further points out that the Swiss Federal Police have recorded a rise in minors involved in radical activities. Among the most striking cases is that of an 11-year-old boy who engaged in extremist acts, alongside the arrest of several teenagers aged 15 to 18 in both German-speaking and French-speaking regions, suspected of links to radical currents.

Such indicators have reinforced the conviction among many parliamentarians that the Brotherhood is working to establish a significant foothold within Swiss society.

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MP De Quattro also warned that certain preachers in mosques are spreading Islamist ideas that may fuel extremist tendencies. She stressed the importance of monitoring these activities and holding accountable the organizations that provide them with support. At the same time, she underlined Switzerland’s dilemma: while national security must be safeguarded, this should not come at the expense of the fundamental freedoms that underpin the country’s democratic system.

These developments place Switzerland at a crossroads: it must preserve its open democratic model while simultaneously protecting its national security from the infiltration of transnational groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.

The ongoing parliamentary debate may well represent the first step toward shaping a balanced national strategy—one that reconciles respect for constitutional rights with an effective response to extremism cloaked in religious or cultural rhetoric.

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