ECHR condemns Switzerland for lack of vegan food in prison

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued a ruling considered a first, establishing that the principles of veganism can benefit from the protection of freedom of conscience.

The judges found that the Swiss authorities did not respect the right to conscience of the two applicants, who did not have access to a vegan diet during their detention. One of the applicants will receive 12,000 euros as moral damages, while the other will receive 14,000 euros for moral damages and legal expenses. The ECHR emphasized that veganism is recognized as a philosophical belief, protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

The ruling could influence practices in other member states of the Council of Europe, including Romania, regarding the respect for the philosophical beliefs of individuals in detention.