Campaigners who want to bring back the death penalty in Switzerland can begin a process that may force a referendum on its return, the government says.
The campaigners have until 24 February to collect the 100,000 signatures necessary to force a popular vote on the subject, it has been announced.
Campaigners want murder involving sexual abuse, particularly of children, to be punishable by death.
Switzerland abolished the death penalty for civilian criminal cases in 1942.
SwordThe government says it is still investigating the wider legal situation surrounding the death penalty.
It could block the referendum, even if campaigners get enough signatures, if bringing the death penalty back would contravene the Swiss constitution or international agreements to which the Swiss are signatories.
The campaigners say execution is a "fair" punishment for murder involving sexual abuse. BBC News
