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Constitutional lawyers are outraged. From mid-November until Christmas, the city of Bern no longer wants to allow large gatherings and parades in the city center. Because of the newly flaring conflict in the Middle East, she is afraid of riots. Only smaller gatherings such as wakes could still be approved.
This goes way too far for constitutional lawyers. Such a blanket ban on demonstrations is “disproportionate and unlawful”, criticizes the Association of Democratic Lawyers. A “mass interference” in the freedom of assembly is denounced. The City of Bern must continue to examine – and if possible approve – applications on a case-by-case basis.
There is also talk of a ban on demonstrations in Basel. And in Zurich, the city and canton disagree on whether or not demonstrations in Palestine should be banned.
Zurich security director Mario Fehr (65) called on city security director Karin Rykart (52) in the “NZZ” not to approve any further Palestinian demonstrations. Such demonstrations could quickly degenerate. They are difficult to control.
When asked, Rykart explains: “The city of Zurich never judges demo requests based on their political content.” Only the legal barriers are relevant. “And the question of whether safety is guaranteed,” she says. The city currently has no information from the intelligence services that the situation has changed from the previous two weeks.
And she emphasizes: “Demonstrating is very well protected in fundamental rights. Only if safety can no longer be guaranteed can a demonstration be banned – the danger must be well documented.” (pt)
Zurich security director Mario Fehr (65) called on city security director Karin Rykart (52) in the “NZZ” not to approve any further Palestinian demonstrations. Such demonstrations could quickly degenerate. They are difficult to control.
When asked, Rykart explains: “The city of Zurich never judges demo requests based on their political content.” Only the legal barriers are relevant. “And the question of whether safety is guaranteed,” she says. The city currently has no information from the intelligence services that the situation has changed from the previous two weeks.
And she emphasizes: “Demonstrating is very well protected in fundamental rights. Only if safety can no longer be guaranteed can a demonstration be banned – the danger must be well documented.” (pt)
“Bern upheld freedom of expression”
Security director Reto Nause (52) of the city of Bern has received a lot of criticism in recent days, but does not seem impressed. On the contrary: “The accusations are meaningless,” he says. Three pro-Palestinian rallies and two pro-Israel vigils have already been approved. “The city of Bern has upheld freedom of expression,” Nause emphasizes. And she was also criticized for it.
But now a ‘break’ is needed. There are numerous events and major events coming up in Bern, all of which will require a large police presence. For example, the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron (45) and the risky match YB against Red Star Belgrade are on the program. There is also the Zibelemärit, the light show on the Bundesplatz and the Christmas markets.
Moreover, given the current ‘tense atmosphere’ in the city center, large-scale rallies are no longer allowed for the time being. At the last demonstration, the police had to intervene and remove people with problematic symbols. Taliban flags and a box with swastikas were found.
“Should we tell Macron to stay home?”
Cantonal security director Philippe Müller (60) also called on people to avoid Palestinian gatherings. The chance of violence at the next demonstration is high. And: “There is no right in the constitution to take to the streets once a week for the same issue,” Nause emphasizes.
Constitutional lawyers are not very convinced of this. For them it remains problematic that commercial events such as football matches and Christmas markets are given greater weight than the freedom of assembly.
“It’s easy to express criticism from the ivory tower,” says Nause about this objection. “It might look a little different from the front. And should we perhaps tell Macron to stay home because we have a demo in Bern? Certainly not!”
The city of Bern wants to stick to temporary restrictions on demonstrations. “In this heated atmosphere, we now need a pause for reflection,” says Nause. “It could be good for everyone involved.”
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
