One of the sons of Ueli Maurer, who represents the right-wing Swiss People's Party SVP in government, was sentenced to 16 months jail on Thursday, according to Swiss newswire «SDA». The younger Maurer was convicted over a 2016 mugging on a regional train and a drunk driving arrest three years ago.

In 2015, Maurer was caught with 1.46 percent blood alcohol following a car crash in a rural part of Zurich (the legal limit in Switzerland is 0.5 percent). One year later, Maurer and a friend robbed a train passenger and attempted to force him to withdraw cash – unsuccessfully.

Seeking Privacy

Appearing in court in a suit and tie, the younger Maurer said he has learned from his past mistakes. By way of explanation, he said he had suffered from the pressure of his father being a public figure – first as the long-standing president of the SVP, then as a member of government.

Maurer's lawyers fought to Switzerland's highest court to seal his conviction and sentencing – also unsuccessfully. Court reporters were allowed to follow and report on the ruling, but were not permitted to photograph Maurer or include details such as place of residence or profession.

Working with Industry

The district court which convicted Maurer said he received no preferential treatment in court. «Even the son of a government minister gets a normal trial.» The elder Maurer is very well-known in finance circles: he has worked in lockstep with Swiss bankers, including leading delegations to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Hong Kong, and Singapore recently. 

The finance minister has been part of the seven-member council which governs Switzerland since 2008. He served as president, an office which rotates annually, in 2013 and is currently vice-president.