Around a thousand people take part in Palestine demonstration in Zurich
Published: Saturday, Nov 11th 2023, 17:30
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In Zurich early on Saturday evening, around a thousand demonstrators called for a "free Gaza". Once again, the controversial chant "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" was chanted. The demonstration on Helvetiaplatz was authorized.
The slogan "From the river to the sea" is described by the Israeli side as clearly anti-Semitic, as it denies Israel and its inhabitants the right to exist.
One speaker also called on the participants on Helvetiaplatz to boycott "Israel-friendly" brands, such as the Starbucks coffee chain.
The demonstration was guarded by a large contingent of police. The fact that the city of Zurich had authorized this demonstration led to differences with the cantonal security director Mario Fehr (non-party) this week. He described the city's authorization as negligent and dangerous. It had nothing to do with freedom of expression if hate slogans were chanted.
The Zurich city government takes the position that it never judges applications for demonstrations on the basis of their political content, but solely on the question of whether security is guaranteed and the law is complied with.
The city of Bern has chosen a more restrictive approach. It decided this week that no more large demonstrations will be permitted in the city center from 17 November until Christmas.
©Keystone/SDA
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