Dick Marty, Swiss lawyer and politician
Dick Marty, born on January 7, 1945, is a highly respected Swiss jurist and politician who has significantly contributed to both domestic and international affairs. A prominent member of FDP.The Liberals, one of Switzerland's major centrist political parties, Marty's career spans roles from a state prosecutor to a distinguished international investigator, consistently advocating for human rights and the rule of law.
Before embarking on his extensive political career, Dick Marty served as the state prosecutor for the canton of Ticino, Switzerland's southern, Italian-speaking region. In this capacity, he was responsible for criminal prosecutions, ensuring the application of justice at a crucial regional level. This foundational experience as a prosecutor honed his investigative skills and deepened his understanding of legal principles, which would later prove invaluable in his more prominent national and international roles.
National Political Service: The Swiss Council of States
From 1995 to 2011, Dick Marty was a influential member of the Swiss Council of States, representing the canton of Ticino. The Council of States is one of the two chambers of the Swiss Federal Assembly, serving as the upper house of Switzerland's bicameral parliament. Unlike the National Council, which represents the population based on proportionality, the Council of States ensures equal representation for each canton, reflecting Switzerland's federalist structure. During his sixteen-year tenure, Marty participated in shaping Swiss national policy, contributing to debates and legislation on a wide array of topics, from economic affairs to social policy and international relations, always bringing a rigorous, legally informed perspective to the parliamentary proceedings.
International Engagement: The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Dick Marty's international profile soared during his time as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The Council of Europe is a leading intergovernmental organization on the continent, distinct from the European Union, dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across its 46 member states. PACE, its deliberative body, brings together parliamentarians from across Europe to debate current issues, hold governments accountable, and promote shared democratic values.
Within PACE, Dick Marty distinguished himself through his courageous and thorough investigative work, particularly on highly sensitive and controversial human rights issues. His reports often garnered significant international attention and sparked crucial discussions:
- Report on Alleged Secret Detentions and Unlawful Inter-State Transfers of Detainees (2007): This landmark report, widely known as the "Marty Report" on CIA black sites, meticulously documented the alleged involvement of Council of Europe member states in secret detentions and extraordinary renditions carried out by the United States. His investigation uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that several European nations had knowingly or unknowingly facilitated these operations, which involved the illegal transfer and detention of terrorism suspects, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and state complicity. The report was instrumental in bringing these clandestine activities to light and pressing for greater accountability.
- Report on Alleged Inhuman Treatment of People and Illicit Trafficking in Human Organs in Kosovo (2010): Another highly impactful investigation led by Marty focused on grave allegations of human organ trafficking that occurred in Kosovo during and after the 1998-1999 conflict. This report presented evidence suggesting a network involved in the abduction of individuals, primarily Serb and Roma civilians, whose organs were allegedly removed and sold on the black market. This deeply disturbing report called for comprehensive investigations and justice for victims, highlighting the brutal realities of post-conflict environments and organized crime.
Marty's work in the Council of Europe underscored his unwavering commitment to justice, transparency, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, often taking on powerful governmental and non-governmental entities to expose wrongdoing and advocate for human dignity. His legacy is one of tenacious advocacy and meticulous investigation in the service of international human rights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dick Marty
- Who is Dick Marty?
- Dick Marty is a Swiss politician and former state prosecutor, widely recognized for his significant contributions to Swiss national politics and his impactful investigative work on human rights for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
- What political party is Dick Marty affiliated with?
- Dick Marty is affiliated with FDP.The Liberals (Freisinnig-Demokratische Partei.Die Liberalen), a major centrist, liberal political party in Switzerland known for advocating economic freedom and individual responsibility.
- What was Dick Marty's role in the Swiss government?
- He served as a member of the Swiss Council of States, the upper house of the Swiss Federal Assembly, representing the canton of Ticino from 1995 to 2011.
- What are Dick Marty's most notable international achievements?
- Internationally, Dick Marty is most renowned for his investigative reports for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, particularly his 2007 report on alleged secret detentions and CIA black sites in Europe, and his 2010 report on alleged illicit human organ trafficking in Kosovo. These reports brought critical human rights issues to global attention.
- What is the Council of Europe?
- The Council of Europe is an international organization, separate from the European Union, focused on promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across its member states. Its Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) is where parliamentarians from member states debate and take action on key European issues.