In a statement, the Bern Cantonal Police say that an unauthorized protest in central Bern on Saturday turned into hours of fighting that hurt 18 police officers, led to mass arrests, and caused millions of dollars in damage to property.
The police reported that the group started to form around 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, at Bahnhofplatz and then marched toward Bundesplatz without a permission. When the gathering got to Amthausgasse, several people tried to break through a police line, which was the first time force was used. The march went back to the station via Schauplatzgasse, when police stopped it and surrounded a group of black-bloc members.
The Bern Cantonal Police say that during the operation, protestors set fire to trash near Storchengässli, which sent up dense black smoke that city firefighters put out with help from a police water cannon. Officials reported that protesters continuously attacked emergency workers and tried to get past obstacles by using construction debris, furniture, stones, bottles, fire extinguishers, fireworks, and lasers.
Officers used forceful methods such water cannons, irritants, rubber bullets, and batons to deal with the situation. Many store windows, doors, and ATM screens were broken along the way from Bundesplatz to the station, and paint and slogans were sprayed or smeared on the sides of buildings. Nine police cars were badly damaged or vandalized. Police said the overall damage will be in the millions.
Sixteen male cops and two female officers were hurt, and four of them needed to go to the hospital for evaluation. Police said that protective gear kept people from getting hurt more seriously. The Bern Cantonal Police say that two other people also went to the doctor because of the unrest.
Authorities reported that demands for track blockades at Bern’s main station were stopped, but the scenario caused a lot of problems for both public and private transportation around the city. Around 8:30 p.m., the crowd gradually broke apart near Bollwerk.
There were 536 people who were identified and sent to police stations for processing. One of them was arrested. Some of the possible offenses being looked at are breach of the peace, property damage, trespassing, assault, arson, breaking the Explosives Act, blocking official actions, violence and threats against authorities, theft, and breaking the mask-wearing ban. Police said they took away gear that was used against officers, like disguises and protective eyewear.
The operation featured a lot of Bern Cantonal Police and help from other groups. The investigation is being led by the Bern-Mittelland Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Bern Cantonal Police say that they are looking for witness material and have requested anyone with images or videos to send them to www.upload-police.be.ch or call +41 31 303 25 31.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
