Amnesty International Switzerland has called for an independent investigation into the Bern police operation during a pro-Palestine demonstration held in mid-October. The human rights organization alleges that police used unjustified and disproportionate force against demonstrators. This demand comes after a detailed review of eyewitness accounts and video evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Amnesty International demands an independent investigation into the Bern police response to an October demonstration.
- The organization claims police used excessive and disproportionate force, citing 326 injured individuals.
- Police deployed 1,100 rubber bullets, 320 single projectiles, and 25,000 liters of water.
- Bern police maintain their actions were proportionate and largely in self-defense.
- A significant discrepancy exists between police and Amnesty International figures for injured individuals.
Allegations of Excessive Force
Amnesty International Switzerland has sharply criticized the Bern cantonal police. The organization states that officers applied "excessive force" during the pro-Palestine demonstration on October 11. This conclusion follows an extensive evaluation of several hours of video footage and testimonies from over 180 witnesses.
Beat Gerber, a spokesperson for Amnesty International Switzerland, highlighted the significant number of injuries reported. According to Amnesty International's findings, 326 individuals were injured, a stark contrast to the police's initial report of two injured persons. This discrepancy forms a central point of contention.
Key Figures from Amnesty International
- Injured individuals: 326
- Rubber bullets fired: 1,100
- Single projectiles used: 320
- Water from cannons: 25,000 liters
The sheer volume of resources deployed by the police has also drawn criticism. Amnesty International noted the use of 1,100 rubber bullets, 320 single projectiles, and 25,000 liters of water from water cannons. Gerber described this as an "enormous amount of force" that had severe consequences for many participants.
Reports also suggest that rubber projectiles were fired at head height in some instances. This particular detail raises serious concerns about the safety protocols followed during the operation. Amnesty International stated that peaceful demonstrators and uninvolved bystanders were encircled by police.
Eyewitness Accounts Detail Incidents
Several eyewitness accounts describe concerning situations during the police operation. One incident involved a heavily pregnant woman who found herself trapped in a police cordon. She was reportedly pressed against a shop window.
"A heavily pregnant woman unexpectedly ended up in the kettle," described Beat Gerber. "She was pressed against a shop window, and only because a saleswoman opened the door for her could she escape the situation."
This incident is presented as just one example among many others documented by Amnesty International. These accounts underscore the organization's call for a thorough and impartial review of the events.
Demand for Independent Inquiry
Amnesty International Switzerland explicitly calls for an independent investigation into the police actions. They suggest that an external cantonal prosecutor, with directive authority, should lead this inquiry. This would ensure impartiality and potentially lead to meaningful changes in police procedures.
According to Beat Gerber, such an investigation is crucial "so that something would truly change." The human rights group believes that without an external review, the public's trust in law enforcement could be eroded.
Background on the Demonstration
The pro-Palestine demonstration in Bern on October 11 was an unauthorized gathering. It took place amidst heightened international tensions, leading to increased scrutiny of public assemblies and police responses across various cities.
Police Defend Their Actions
The Bern cantonal police have defended their actions, stating that the operation was proportionate given the circumstances. Manuel Willi, head of the Bern Regional Police, emphasized the need to consider the "entire course of events and the dynamic of the situation in its overall context."
Willi stated that a significant portion of the participants at the unauthorized demonstration caused substantial property damage. They reportedly set fires deliberately and risked injuring uninvolved third parties. These actions, according to Willi, necessitated a robust police response.
Contradicting Claims of Encirclement
The police chief specifically challenged the accusation that many uninvolved individuals were encircled. Willi stated, "We found that almost all those encircled were dressed in black." He added that many then removed their black clothing and left it behind, with over half a ton of such items being disposed of by authorities.
The police describe the operation as highly dynamic and chaotic, especially in Schauplatzgasse. Willi reported that officers were attacked from two sides and heavily pelted with objects. This environment, he explained, led to certain rubber projectiles being fired from closer distances.
"The emergency forces were attacked from two sides and massively pelted with objects," said Manuel Willi. "Certain rubber projectiles were probably fired from closer distances."
Willi maintains that such instances were clear cases of self-defense or assistance. He reiterated that the police acted within their mandate to ensure public safety and order.
Discrepancy in Injury Figures
The significant difference in reported injury numbers remains a key point of contention. Manuel Willi clarified the police's position on this discrepancy, stating that they can only report what is known to them. "Only a single complaint was filed with us; no other injuries are known to us," he explained.
Despite this, Willi expressed general agreement with the idea of an independent investigation, as requested by Amnesty International. However, he stressed that such an inquiry should not solely focus on police actions.
"From our perspective, it falls short if one only looks at police actions. All factors and actors must be examined," Willi stated. This suggests a desire for a broader investigation that includes the actions of demonstrators and other contributing factors to the escalation.
Looking Ahead
The call for an independent investigation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding police conduct during public demonstrations. The conflicting accounts from Amnesty International and the Bern cantonal police underscore the need for a thorough and impartial review to establish the facts.
The outcome of any potential investigation could have significant implications for how future demonstrations are managed in Bern and across Switzerland. It will also test the transparency and accountability mechanisms within the canton's law enforcement.