Freiburg police protect Eritrean event
Published: Saturday, Feb 17th 2024, 19:20
Updated At: Saturday, Feb 17th 2024, 19:20
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On Saturday morning in Villars-sur-Glâne, the Fribourg cantonal police deployed a large force to protect a gathering of people from Eritrea. There were no injuries. Some opponents of the event were arrested by the police and charged.
The cantonal police were informed about a large gathering of people of Eritrean origin in Villars-sur-Glâne at around 8 o'clock on Saturday, the Fribourg cantonal police announced on Saturday evening. Between 60 and 80 people had rented a room for a peaceful gathering. They had feared that fellow countrymen would disrupt the gathering.
In coordination with the relevant authorities, a large police force was therefore deployed as a preventive measure. According to the police, cars with license plates from various cantons were stopped and their occupants of Eritrean origin were checked. Dangerous objects such as sticks and stones were discovered inside some of the vehicles and confiscated by the police.
Over 100 law enforcement officers were deployed on site to prevent confrontations. The use of pepper spray was necessary. According to the police, some of the 200 opponents at the event were carrying sticks, axe handles and stones.
Neither the people taking part in the gathering nor the police were injured. The opponents of the event were arrested and identified by the police. Offenders will be reported to the relevant authorities.
Violence between Eritreans is not uncommon in Switzerland and Europe and takes place between supporters of the Eritrean dictator Isaias Afewerki and opponents. Last year, the police intervened in a brawl in Opfikon ZH, among other places, and a gathering in Rüfenacht near Bern was canceled at short notice due to security concerns.
©Keystone/SDA
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