A recent unauthorized Palestine demonstration in Bern led to significant damage and injuries. New police data shows that a large majority of those detained during the event were not residents of the Swiss capital. This information comes as authorities continue their investigation into the violent incidents.
Key Takeaways
- An unauthorized Palestine demonstration in Bern on Saturday escalated into violence.
- Police detained and checked 536 individuals during the event.
- 80 percent of those controlled were not residents of Canton Bern.
- Most participants were between 20 and 29 years old.
- Police face complex investigations due to organized tactics used by some demonstrators.
Demonstration Results in Damage, Injuries
The unauthorized Palestine demonstration on Saturday in Bern quickly turned violent. The event caused substantial property damage, estimated to be in the millions of Swiss Francs. Several individuals also sustained injuries during the unrest. The aftermath was visible across Bern's streets the following day.
For example, the restaurant 'Della Casa' showed burn marks after the demonstration. Tobias Burkhalter, the restaurant's owner, described the scene to Nau.ch as being "like a war." The damage to his business highlighted the severity of the incidents.
Fact: Property Damage
The estimated property damage from the demonstration reached millions of Swiss Francs.
Police Detain Over 500 Individuals
During the demonstration, the Canton Police of Bern surrounded a section of the participants. They proceeded to control the identities of these individuals. A total of 536 people were detained and checked by authorities.
Michael Bettschen, Deputy Head of the Bern Regional Police, confirmed the initial findings to Tamedia newspapers. He stated that a significant number of those detained were from outside Canton Bern. This finding is central to the ongoing police investigation.
"That so many people could be controlled is extraordinary. But nothing has been won yet. We are only at the beginning of challenging investigations." - Michael Bettschen, Deputy Head, Bern Regional Police
Majority of Participants From Outside Bern
Of the 536 individuals controlled, only 20 percent resided in Canton Bern. This means that 80 percent of the participants came from other cantons. Many of them traveled from western Switzerland.
The majority of the controlled demonstrators were between 20 and 29 years old. Additionally, 23 of the controlled individuals were minors. Approximately half of those checked by the police were women.
Demographics of Detained Individuals
- Total Controlled: 536 people
- Bern Residents: 20%
- Non-Bern Residents: 80%
- Age Group: Mostly 20-29 years old
- Minors: 23 individuals
- Gender: Approximately 50% women
Challenges in Identifying Offenders
Police describe the ability to detain so many individuals as "extraordinary." However, identifying and prosecuting offenders remains a complex task. The front of the demonstration march through the city was masked.
The police have collected extensive video material. However, proving an individual's involvement in a specific crime is difficult. Michael Bettschen pointed to the high level of organization among some demonstrators as a key challenge.
Organized Tactics Used by Some Groups
Some demonstrators used specific tactics to avoid identification. Bettschen explained that these individuals wore multiple layers of clothing. During the containment by police, they removed one layer to make later identification harder. This suggests a planned effort to obscure their identities.
Despite police observations, some participants criticized the demonstration's organization. According to CH Media newspapers, some on a known website called the Bern demonstration a "strategic failure." They claimed demonstrators "followed the police's plan entirely" and could not use their "numerical superiority."
These participants also noted that "chaos broke out everywhere quickly," and a clear organizational structure was missing. They further stated that this lack of planning even led to attacks on their own people amidst the confusion.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications
The Canton Police Bern continues its investigations into the events. The process of analyzing video footage and linking individuals to specific criminal acts is labor-intensive. Authorities aim to hold those responsible for the violence and damage accountable.
The incident highlights the challenges police face in managing unauthorized demonstrations, especially when participants employ tactics to evade identification. The high percentage of non-local participants also raises questions about coordination and planning across cantonal borders for such events.