Thousands of people gathered in Bern, Winterthur, and Basel on Tuesday evening to protest against the advance of Syrian government troops into Kurdish areas in northern and eastern Syria. These unpermitted demonstrations highlighted concerns over the ongoing conflict and the future of the autonomous Kurdish regions.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 2,000 demonstrators marched in Bern.
- Protests also took place in Winterthur and Basel.
- Clashes occurred in Bern and Winterthur, involving police.
- One tram passenger in Basel sustained a head injury.
- The demonstrations were spurred by Syrian government advances into Kurdish territories.
Bern Sees Largest Protest
In Bern, an estimated 2,000 individuals began their march from Bahnhofplatz at 7:00 PM. The demonstration proceeded without official permission, heading towards the Federal Palace. Following negotiations with the Bern Cantonal Police, the crowd was directed to the Schützenmatte, located in front of the Reitschule.
Police tolerated a static rally there but prevented any further movement through the city. A reporter from the Keystone-SDA news agency observed the situation unfold.
Fact: Scale of Protest
The Bern demonstration involved around 2,000 people, making it the largest of the evening's protests.
Clashes Near Lorrainebrücke
During the Bern protest, tensions escalated near the Lorrainebrücke. Several participants attempted to breach a police barrier. They reportedly attacked officers with pyrotechnics and later with other projectiles.
The Bern Cantonal Police confirmed these incidents in a statement. They indicated that officers briefly deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to manage the situation. The demonstration eventually fragmented into smaller groups and dispersed by approximately 9:40 PM.
"Police had to use irritant gas and rubber bullets for a short time," stated the Bern Cantonal Police in their official report.
As a result of the unrest, three individuals were detained for further questioning at police facilities. The city center experienced significant traffic disruptions throughout the evening.
Winterthur and Basel Also Witness Protests
Bern was not the only city to see demonstrations. About an hour before the Bern protest began, around 300 people gathered at Winterthur's main station. This unpermitted rally, titled "Solidarity with Rojava," drew a mix of Kurdish participants and individuals from left-wing extremist circles, according to the city police.
Shortly after 6:30 PM, the demonstrators formed a spontaneous procession, moving towards Technikumstrasse. To prevent potential riots and property damage, the city police deployed multiple units. They stopped the procession at the Bahnhofplatz, where pepper spray was used. The demonstration was ultimately dissolved by 7:45 PM.
Context: Rojava
Rojava refers to the de facto autonomous region in northern and eastern Syria, largely controlled by Kurdish forces. The current demonstrations are in response to Syrian government troops advancing into these areas, challenging their autonomy.
Injured Passenger in Basel
In Basel, a group of about 500 people formed an unauthorized demonstration at Claraplatz around 6:30 PM. The procession moved through the city center, during which several firecrackers were ignited. Banners were also hung at various locations. Police confirmed the presence of Kurdish flags during the march.
Upon reaching Centralbahnplatz, demonstrators initiated a sit-in blockade on the tram tracks. This action resulted in damage to a tram window. A passenger inside the tram sustained a head injury and required hospitalization. Medical personnel transported the injured individual to the hospital.
The demonstration continued, moving across Barfüsserplatz and the Mittlere Brücke before returning to Claraplatz. The event concluded around 10:15 PM. Despite the incidents, a police spokesperson confirmed that no arrests were made in Basel.
Background of the Syrian Conflict
The demonstrations are directly linked to the escalating situation in Syria. Syrian government forces and their allies have been advancing into Kurdish-held territories in the north and east of the country for several days. This military push stems from a dispute over the integration of these previously autonomous Kurdish regions into the state structure.
A ceasefire, which was announced last Sunday, appears to have effectively collapsed. Protesters across Switzerland voiced strong condemnation of the actions, with chants such as "Free, free Rojava" and slogans like "Defend Kurdistan" and "Defend Rojava" displayed on placards. Some also directed criticism towards specific figures, chanting "Jolani Terrorist" and "Terrorist Erdogan."
- The conflict centers on the autonomy of Kurdish regions.
- A recent ceasefire has reportedly ended.
- Protesters demand protection for Kurdish areas.
The mixed-age crowds in all three cities showed strong solidarity with the Kurdish cause. The use of fireworks and other pyrotechnics was observed in Bern, adding to the intensity of the protests.