A trial into a violent clash between the Hells Angels and Bandidos biker gangs outside the Swiss capital in 2019 has resulted in prison sentences of varying lengths. One of the main defendants was given eight years for premeditated attempted murder.
The other main defendant got off with eight months for brawling. A third man was sentenced to 42 months for attempted grievous bodily harm, the Bern regional court announced on Thursday.
A further 19 bikers were tried for brawling or aiding and abetting. Some were found guilty and some were acquitted. Most of the guilty verdicts were suspended prison sentences of around ten months.
During the trial most of the accused remained silent and refused to give information about the crime.
More
More
Stones fly at start of Bern biker brawl trial
This content was published on
Around 200 Hells Angels and Bandidos gang members faced off outside a Bern court ahead of the start of a trial.
A total of 22 rival gang members had been accused of taking part in a fight in May 2019 at Belp, southeast of Bern, which resulted in numerous injuries.
According to the cantonal prosecutor, it all kicked off after the Bandidos gang, which was not officially represented in Switzerland at the time, allegedly tried to open a chapter in Belp. The Hells Angels and their allies the Broncos supposedly saw this as a provocation and decided to intimidate them and disturb a Bandidos party at Belp. Prosecutors said all the defendants were aware that the situation was going to degenerate and that the rival gangs were looking for a fight to mark their territory.
The trial in Bern took place under a heavy police presence. Before the verdict was announced, an estimated 300 bikers, belonging to several clubs, had gathered next to the court building.
There are reportedly around 200 Hells Angels gang members in Switzerland and around 40 Bandidos. A number of smaller gangs are also thought to be present.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A criminal investigation into a Swiss media editor and a former health ministry official over leaked government Covid pandemic strategy is to be closed.
‘James Bond’ Schilthorn summit re-opens in Switzerland
This content was published on
The summit of the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland will be accessible again from Saturday after being closed for five months.
Swiss lawmakers urge tougher stance with criminal asylum seekers
This content was published on
The Swiss Senate wants to tighten laws to both restrict the movement of asylum seekers being investigated for crimes and to expel the guilty.
Switzerland eyes high-speed train fleet for European connections
This content was published on
Swiss Federal Railways eyes 40 strong high-speed train fleet to service international destinations, such as Italy and France.
This content was published on
Driven by purchases abroad, e-commerce in Switzerland continues to grow, with sales approacheing the CHF15 billion markin 2024.
Switzerland close to further restricting tobacco advertising
This content was published on
Switzerland moves a step closer to restricting tobacco advertising in the print media as one chamber of parliament votes in favour of measures.
Swiss researchers improve therapy for paralysed patients
This content was published on
Using rehabilitation robots and a spinal cord implant, Swiss researchers are helping people with spinal cord injuries to walk again.
New Swiss government minister prepared for defence mandate
This content was published on
New Swiss government minister Martin Pfister says he is prepared for the defence mandate sif he be asked to take on the vacant role.
This content was published on
At the Federal Criminal Court on Tuesday the former president of the Zurich chapter of the Hells Angels received a two-year suspended prison sentence for marijuana transport and dealing, attempted blackmail, illegal restraint and kidnapping. A Lausanne-based Hells Angel received a ten month suspended prison sentence for helping transport marijuana, and a third member of…
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.