Swiss government bans Islamic State group

Berlin: The Swiss government has banned the Islamic State extremist group and all activities to support the organization.

The neutral country's governing Federal Council on Wednesday issued an order banning the group and related organizations, a move it said was a response to "the escalation of recent weeks."

The ban also covers activities such as spreading propaganda and collecting money for the group. A government statement said that people who defy the ban could be punished with sentences ranging up to three years in prison.