Falciani confirms no-show at ‘political’ Swiss trial

The conditions for a fair trial in Switzerland have not been met, according to HSBC whistle-blower Hervé Falciani. He says he is ready to defend his actions before the European Court of Human Rights but not at a ‘political trial’ designed to ‘save face’.  “This trial was called for by a bank [HSBC], which put the money on the table so as not to be tried,” Falciani told reporters at a press conference in Divonne, France, north of Geneva, on Wednesday.  Viewed by the Swiss authorities as a data thief who betrayed his employer, Falciani failed to appear at his Swiss trial in Bellinzona on October 12, forcing it to be rescheduled for November 2.  The ex-IT employee, who is based in France, is accused in Switzerland of unauthorised acquisition of data, financial espionage and violating Swiss bank and business secrecy rules. If found guilty, he will face a prison sentence. It is unclear whether Falciani will be tried in absentia next month, as legal experts have ...