MOSCOW, October 8 (RIA Novosti) - The Swiss Federal Council issued an order on Wednesday, banning the Islamic State (IS) extremist group and all the activities in support of this organization on Swiss territory, Associated Press reported.
According to the document, the Swiss Federal Council's ban covers all activities, aimed at supporting IS militants, including spreading propaganda and raising funds for the terrorist group. Those defying the ban could face up to three years in prison.
Earlier on Wednesday the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs expressed the country's "extreme concern" about the current offensive of the IS militants against the town of Kobani in Syria.
"Switzerland strongly condemns the serious violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights by members of IS. The abuses committed against civilians are unacceptable," the statement read.
The IS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), has been fighting the Syrian government since 2012. In June 2014, the group extended its attacks to northern and western Iraq, declaring a caliphate on the territories under its control in both countries.
In September the authorities of Israel and Germany outlawed the Islamic State and actions in support of this organization on the territories of their countries.
