A late-night police operation in Bern's Old Town in May has resulted in criminal convictions for two individuals. The incident involved an intoxicated woman assaulting officers and her male companion verbally abusing them, leading to charges of violence against officials and obstruction of duty.
Key Takeaways
- A police intervention in Bern's Old Town led to two convictions.
- The incident involved an intoxicated woman and her aggressive companion.
- Both individuals faced charges including violence against officials and abusive language.
- The man received a conditional fine and costs totaling 600 Swiss francs.
- The woman was given a conditional fine and ordered to pay 650 Swiss francs in costs.
Dispute at Brunngasshalde Bar Escalates
The events unfolded shortly after 2:30 AM at the Kreissaal-Bar on Brunngasshalde. Embassy security personnel initially responded to reports of two guests refusing to leave the establishment. Upon the arrival of police officers, a woman was found lying on the ground, visibly intoxicated.
Officers attempted to engage with the woman and help her to her feet. However, she reportedly became aggressive, physically attacking one of the responding officers. Her male companion, instead of de-escalating the situation, also became involved.
Incident Timeline
- Early May: Police called to Kreissaal-Bar.
- 2:30 AM: Officers arrive to find intoxicated woman.
- Initial Contact: Woman attacks an officer.
- Companion's Involvement: Man obstructs police, refuses cooperation.
- Escalation: Woman attempts escape, continues resistance; man uses abusive language.
- Subsequent Arrest: Both individuals taken to police station.
Resistance and Abusive Language Towards Officers
Despite repeated requests from officers to maintain distance, the man held onto the woman. Authorities struggled to remove both individuals from inside the bar. Once outside, the woman made an attempt to flee and continued to resist the police.
According to official reports, she then began to verbally abuse the officers. The man also refused to cooperate, initially evading identity checks and displaying aggressive behavior. The situation escalated further when officers prepared to transport the woman to the police station.
"He resisted handcuffing and made obscene gestures, continuing his verbal abuse, including homophobic remarks, at the police station."
The man reportedly intensified his verbal attacks, resisted handcuffing, and made obscene gestures. These abusive actions, including homophobic remarks, continued even after his arrival at the police station.
Swiss Law on Obstruction and Violence
Swiss law takes a serious stance against violence and threats towards officials. Obstruction of official acts and public defamation of public servants are criminal offenses. Such actions can lead to significant fines, conditional sentences, or even imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense.
Legal Consequences: Conditional Fines and Costs
The public prosecutor's office in Bern-Mittelland reviewed the incident. They concluded that both individuals had committed offenses under Swiss law. The man was found guilty of abusive language and obstructing an official act.
He received a conditional monetary penalty of 15 daily rates, each set at 30 Swiss francs. In addition to this, he was ordered to pay a fine and procedural costs, amounting to a total of 600 Swiss francs. This conditional sentence means the penalty is suspended for a probationary period, provided no further offenses occur.
The woman faced more severe charges. She was convicted of violence and threats against officials, as well as abusive language. Her sentence included a conditional monetary penalty of 20 daily rates, each at 30 Swiss francs.
She was also required to pay a fine and procedural costs totaling 650 Swiss francs. This outcome underscores the legal repercussions for individuals who impede or assault law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
- Man's Sentence: Conditional fine of 15 daily rates (CHF 30 each), plus CHF 600 in fines and costs.
- Woman's Sentence: Conditional fine of 20 daily rates (CHF 30 each), plus CHF 650 in fines and costs.
These convictions highlight the importance of respecting law enforcement and cooperating during police interventions. Incidents involving aggression and obstruction can lead to significant legal and financial penalties, as demonstrated by this case in Bern's Old Town.