Swiss-Tunisian scholar says Islamic norms of male superiority are fueling domestic violence and femicides in Switzerland

 

Switzerland is confronting a surge in domestic violence after 15 femicides were recorded in the first half of 2025. In a commentary for the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Swiss-Tunisian scholar and political Islam activist Saïda Keller-Messahli said that offenders disproportionately often come from Muslim countries and that the role of Islam in shaping attitudes toward women must be openly acknowledged.

“Reports of men killing their wives, ex-partners, or daughters because they don’t behave as they wish are increasing,” she noted.

She cited research by forensic scientist Frank Urbaniok showing that Afghans are reported for serious violent crimes five times more often than Swiss citizens, Moroccans eight times more often, and Tunisians nine times more often.

“The disproportionate crime rate has a lot to do with cultural influences. It is about how violence is dealt with, the image of women, or the role of the rule of law in these countries,” Urbaniok told the same newspaper in April.

“I have been dealing with criminals for 33 years and have seen thousands of cases at close range. That’s why I know how strong and relevant these imprints can be. Sometimes, they persist for generations,” he added.

Swiss-Tunisian scholar says Islamic norms of male superiority are fueling domestic violence and femicides in Switzerland