A 20-year-old man in Bern has been ordered to pay a total of 1,400 Swiss francs in fines and fees after insulting police officers and attempting to flee a routine identity check. The incident, which occurred in May, resulted in a conviction for insulting officials and obstructing an official act.
Key Takeaways
- A 20-year-old man was fined 1,400 Swiss francs.
- He showed both middle fingers to three police officers in Bern.
- He attempted to evade an identity check.
- The conviction includes charges of insulting officials and obstructing an official act.
Incident Unfolds at Kornhausplatz
The event took place late one night in May at Kornhausplatz in Bern. Three police officers were inside a patrol car when a 20-year-old man walked past. Without warning, the man extended both middle fingers towards the officers.
Following this gesture, the man continued walking. Police decided to stop him for an identity check due to his behavior. This decision led to an immediate reaction from the individual.
Fact: Public Insults
In Switzerland, insulting public officials, including police officers, can lead to charges under the criminal code. Such acts are not considered minor offenses, especially when combined with other actions like obstruction.
Attempt to Evade Police Check
The 20-year-old did not cooperate with the officers' request for a stop. Instead, he chose to run away. The police officers called out "Stop Police" but the man continued to flee.
Officers pursued him and eventually apprehended him. The Bern Cantonal Public Prosecutor's Office noted in its penal order that the man's actions deliberately delayed the identity check.
"The individual's behavior, including the insulting gesture and subsequent flight, constituted a clear obstruction of official duties," stated a representative from the Public Prosecutor's Office during the legal proceedings.
Conviction and Financial Penalties
The man was subsequently convicted of two offenses: insulting officials and obstructing an official act. The conviction came via a penal order, a common procedure for less severe criminal cases in Switzerland.
The court imposed a monetary penalty of 25 daily rates, with each rate set at 30 Swiss francs. This calculation resulted in a total fine amount for the offenses.
Understanding Penal Orders
A penal order (Strafbefehl in German) is a simplified procedure in Swiss criminal law. It allows prosecutors to issue a conviction and sentence for minor and medium-level offenses without a full court trial, provided the accused does not object.
Total Cost: 1,400 Swiss Francs
The total financial burden for the man amounts to 1,400 Swiss francs. This sum is divided into two main components: the monetary fine and administrative fees.
Specifically, the man must pay 750 Swiss francs for the monetary fine. An additional 650 Swiss francs are allocated to cover court and administrative fees associated with the case. This brings the total to 1,400 Swiss francs.
Impact on Previous Sentences
The court also considered two previous conditionally suspended sentences the man had received. These prior sentences were not revoked, meaning he will not immediately serve jail time for them.
However, the court issued a warning to the man. Furthermore, the probationary period for each of the two previously suspended sentences was extended by one year. This means he must maintain good conduct for a longer duration to avoid serving those past sentences.
- Fine for offenses: 750 Swiss francs
- Administrative fees: 650 Swiss francs
- Total payment: 1,400 Swiss francs
- Probation extended: One year for two prior sentences
This case highlights the consequences of disrespectful behavior towards law enforcement and attempts to evade official duties in Switzerland. The legal system imposes clear penalties for such actions, combining direct fines with extensions of probationary periods for past offenses.