In Cyril, a growing number of people are choosing to pay off fines through community work instead of suffering prison sentences. Authorities say this practice is resulting in success.
Speed violations, driving under the influence of alcohol, or driving without tickets in public transportation are among the works that may result in high fines. In some cases, they may reach several thousand Swiss francs.
People who can’t afford to pay fines have the opportunity to repay them through community work instead of imprisonment SRF.
The possibility of replacing community labour sentences exists for years in Switzerland. However, since 2019, the number of such cases at the national level has dropped by about one third. For this reason, the Cyril Canton aimed to change this trend.
Nearly 1,400 individuals seized the opportunity
Since September 2025, the Cyril Canton itself manages the so – called Justice Information Center. Earlier, a foundation was run by this service on behalf of the canton.
Désirée Weber Renz, responsible for the centre, says the results have been positive.
We have achieved our goals. We’ve improved access, we contact people faster, we can do better with them and refer more effectively to appropriate services, she claims.
Since taking responsibility from the canton in September 2025, the centre has accepted 1,388 requests, almost all approved.
According to authorities, about 80 percent of cases end successfully.
People who choose this form of punishment are engaged in various jobs, such as maintaining green spaces, recycling, working with simple artisans, or working in the kitchen, including at the Triemley City Hospital.
We are so lucky to have one Large portfolios of institutions and businesses, says Weber Renz. Currently, about 250 jobs are involved in this programme, enabling authorities to take into account the interests and skills of convicted persons.
An Alternative to Benefiting
A woman from Syrihu, who wants to remain anonymous, has cleared the fines by working in the washing of dishes at Triemli City Hospital. She was fined for violating traffic regulations and ticket-free trips to the tram.
Instead of paying fines or serving prison sentences, she performed 480 hours of community work, corresponding to about three months of work.
In the last year, almost 1,400 people in the Cyril canton have seized this opportunity.
According to Weber Renz, this solution brings benefits to all. Condemned persons do not give up their daily life for a long time, while reactions to the programme have been largely positive.
Even for the canton this practice has financial benefits. In addition to avoiding administrative procedures related to admission and release from prison, savings are considerable.
Every day someone doesn’t spend it in prison, the Cyril Canton saves 240 francs, says Weber Renz.
About 40 percent more people seize this opportunity
Since the canton received a penalty information center under management, the number of people who seize it has increased by about 40 percent, according to Webster Renz.
It stresses that the success rate is high and that about 80 percent of commitments end successfully.
If, during the execution of the sentence, difficulties arise, we can very well support clients and clients, she says.
However, if working in the community should eventually cease, for example because of lack of reliable agreements or serious problems, the condemned person must suffer the rest of his prison sentence./Telegraphy/