City of Bern wants no more large demonstrations until Christmas
Published: Wednesday, Nov 8th 2023, 15:40
Updated At: Thursday, Nov 9th 2023, 00:54
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The city of Bern is no longer authorizing large demonstrations and parades in the city centre for the time being. The regulation applies from November 17 until Christmas, as announced by the city government on Wednesday.
Smaller demonstrations, such as vigils, could still be approved in the center of Bern. Demonstrations are also possible in the rest of the city.
Security Director Reto Nause (center) defended the decision in an interview with the Keystone-SDA news agency. The city had approved three Palestine rallies in recent weeks, which had taken place in a particularly emotional atmosphere and had been accompanied by a large police presence.
There were also two vigils in support of Israel. "That's all right now", said Nause.
For the time being, the city of Bern has complied with the freedom of expression. Nowhere in the Federal Constitution is it written that there is a right to take to the streets every week on the same topic with the same demands. According to Nause, no applications for further Middle East rallies are pending.
Many occasions
There are numerous events and occasions in Bern in the coming weeks, Nause continued - from the Christmas markets and the state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to the Zibelemärit and Young Boys' Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade.
To those who always value freedom of expression more highly, he posed a question: "Do we have to cancel the state visit and the YB match in order to make freedom of expression possible? Other interests also have their legitimacy, not just rallies."
"Hospitality rights abused"
Cantonal security director Philippe Müller (FDP) had previously called for Palestine rallies to be avoided. He said in an interview with the Tamedia newspapers that there was a high probability of violence at the next rally.
"When manifestors turn against Switzerland, spit at police officers and raise their fingers at the Federal Palace on command, the right to hospitality is definitely being abused," said Müller. "I therefore call on people to refrain from further such rallies." However, the licensing authority is the city of Bern and not the canton.
Heated atmosphere
Up to 10,000 people showed their solidarity with the Palestinians on the Bundesplatz last Saturday. The atmosphere was loud and sometimes heated, but not violent. The police kept a low profile with a large contingent.
On the election weekend of October 21/22, the cities of Bern, Zurich and Basel did not allow any Middle East demonstrations. They justified this with concerns about personal injury and damage to property. The decision was criticized by experts in constitutional law: It would take more than indications of the tense situation to not authorize demonstrations.
©Keystone/SDA
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