Organizers of a major pro-Palestinian demonstration in Switzerland’s capital have called for an official investigation into alleged police violence during Saturday’s protest, reporting 256 participants sustained injuries during confrontations with security forces. A coalition representing approximately 30 organizations, including the Gaza-bound Swiss flotilla group Waves of Freedom, issued a formal statement challenging what they characterized as distorted media coverage of the event while demanding accountability for law enforcement actions.
Allegations of police brutality
The organizing coalition accused Bern police of implementing “brutality without half-measures” against demonstrators they described as peaceful. According to their detailed account, security forces deployed water cannons against protesters while simultaneously utilizing pepper spray and batons during the confrontation, resulting in numerous injuries among participants gathered to express solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing Gaza hostilities.
Extended detention conditions
Protest organizers further alleged that authorities confined a substantial portion of demonstrators for nearly twelve hours while denying basic necessities including toilet access, food provisions, and blankets despite cold evening temperatures. The statement indicated several detained protesters developed hypothermia symptoms during the extended confinement period, raising additional concerns about appropriate treatment of demonstrators under police supervision.
Investigation demands
The coalition has formally demanded robust protection for demonstration rights alongside an “immediate, independent and impartial” investigation examining police conduct throughout the protest event. The organizations emphasized their commitment to presenting their version of events following what they characterized as imbalanced media reporting regarding the demonstration’s nature and the police response it provoked.
