Police in the federal capital Bern again used water cannon and rubber bullets against participants in an unauthorised Covid demonstration on Thursday evening.
Some 800 people took part in the protest against government anti-Covid restrictions. This comes after a similar demonstration drawing some 3-4,000 people also turned violent in Bern last week, with police using water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets.
Thirteen people were taken to the police station for further investigation after the latest protest, according to a statement by the Bern cantonal police on Friday. The suspects face charges of rioting and threatening the authorities.
Demonstrators chanted “freedom” as they marched through the streets of Bern old town full of late-night shoppers. Some protesters carried flowers as a sign of peaceful resistance.
However, fireworks were set off and projectiles were thrown at officers, police said. Police responded with rubber bullets. At around 9pm, water cannons and rubber bullets were used when demonstrators tried to move towards the parliament building. Several people tried to break through a barrier in front of the building before being pushed back, police said.
Police tolerated the march, even though it had not been authorised. Bern security chief Reto Nause said police were unable to prevent the protest as other people would have been put at risk. It was difficult for the police to identify who was there to demonstrate and who was shopping, he said.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
Aussie adoptee gains Swiss citizenship at 54 thanks to old envelope
Swiss president meets Zelensky in Davos amid tensions with Europe
This content was published on
Swiss President met Zelensky at Davos. As Zelensky thanked Switzerland, Keller-Sutter said it's too early to discuss a new summit, awaiting Trump's actions.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
Swiss campaigners gather enough signatures to submit ‘responsible business’ initiative
This content was published on
The Swiss people are set to vote again on the corporate responsibility of multinationals after campaigners collected 183,661 signatures in 14 days for their new 'responsible business' initiative.
Several Swiss municipalities and banks hit by cyberattack
This content was published on
Russian hackers attacked the websites of several Swiss municipalities and banks on Tuesday, just as the World Economic Forum (WEF), got under way in Davos.
Music strengthens brain connections in premature babies, Swiss study shows
This content was published on
In premature babies, music strengthens connections in certain areas of the brain, according to a years-long study by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG).
WEF gives Crystal Award to Beckham, Yamamoto and von Fürstenberg
This content was published on
The World Economic Forum in Davos handed out awards to UNICEF ambassador David Beckham, Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto and women's rights activist Diane von Fürstenberg.
Swiss CEOs betting on a strong domestic market in 2025
This content was published on
Swiss business leaders are optimistic about 2025, despite a world in crisis, says a new survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
This content was published on
Several thousand gathered in northern Switzerland on Saturday in opposition to measures to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.
This content was published on
Police in Bern have used a water cannon, rubber bullets and irritant spray to break up an illegal protest against Covid measures that turned violent.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.