Tumultuous times

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Tear gas fills the streets of Zurich during riots on June 18, 1980. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

Heussler was standing on the roof of a building next to the Zurich police officer in charge of coordinating action on the ground when this shot was taken in August 1980. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

Tear gas canisters hiss on the streets in an attempt to stop the demonstration. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

After a demonstration on August 1, 1980, Switzerland's national holiday, protesters cooled off in the river. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

Nearly 125 people were arrested during the protests. Here, Heinrichstrasse is littered with items used for barricades during a 12-hour-long demonstration. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

Police hold their line after protesters staged a sit-in before city government buildings. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

A youth demonstration in the heart of the city. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

This demonstration against prison solitary confinement ended in violence, with injuries on both sides. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

This shop suffered damage following a protest against the lack of housing in the city. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

Police in riot gear come out in force for a protest. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

Heussler witnessed this demonstration on Christmas Day, in which tear gas was used. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

Activists blockade an underpass in the city's red light district at Langstrasse. Olivia Heussler Olivia Heussler

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When Zurich was "like a warzone".

A growing frustration among youth throughout the 1970s at a lack of public funding and work space for a new generation of musicians, actors and artists eventually led to months of riots and clashes with police in Zurich’s normally orderly streets. Photographer Olivia Heussler was a witness.