Court rejects motions and continues trial against police officers
Published: Thursday, Feb 15th 2024, 12:40
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The trial of a 48-year-old Zurich city police officer began in the Zurich High Court on Thursday morning. He is accused of endangering life after a dark-skinned man was seriously injured during a body check in 2009.
Shortly after the start of the trial, the court rejected various motions by the private plaintiff's lawyer. If these had been approved, the trial would probably have been interrupted for a longer period of time.
A policewoman and a police officer who were also involved in the stop have now been acquitted with final legal effect. At the beginning of the hearing before the High Court, the lawyer for the private plaintiff Wilson A. requested that the two acquitted police officers now be called as witnesses. This would require them to testify against their colleague who was the squad leader during the operation.
Wilson A.'s lawyer made various other requests for evidence. Among other things, he demanded that a detailed forensic medical report on Wilson A.'s injuries be commissioned.
Rally in front of the court
Before the court hearing began on Thursday, several dozen sympathizers gathered in front of the Zurich High Court for a rally. For them, the case of Wilson A. is a typical case of "racial profiling", i.e. racially motivated identity checks by the police.
The case has now been occupying the Zurich judiciary for over 14 years. In 2018, it was heard at first instance before the Zurich District Court. Prior to this, the public prosecutor responsible wanted to discontinue the proceedings twice and was ordered by the court to continue them. In court, the public prosecutor then applied - contrary to the indictment - for the police officers to be acquitted. The court acquitted all three.
The trial will continue on Thursday afternoon with the plea of Wilson A.'s lawyer. It is not known whether the court will reach a verdict on Thursday.
©Keystone/SDA
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