Nearly 8,000 took part in the silent protest, according to journalists’ estimates. They had received police permission to gather, but many did not wear masks, flouting government rules. Many wore white suits.
Police did not intervene against those not wearing masks. A police spokesman said they preferred that the demonstration remain peaceful.
Some held up signs reading “Enough is enough”, “Vaccines kill” and “Let love be your guide, not fear”. The protest included speeches by coronavirus and vaccine sceptics.
Meanwhile, a heavy police deployment managed to prevent another planned demonstration – unauthorised — against Covid-19 restrictions in the federal capital Bern.
A citizens’ group had called for the demonstration under the slogan “together for our freedom” on social media and flyers in Bern letterboxes.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
Lockdown opponents ratchet up pressure on Swiss government
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Shops, cultural and outdoor recreational facilities will be allowed to open up from Monday as part of a staggered easing of measures. But restaurants and bars will have to wait until at least March 22 and only re-open on this date if the Covid-19 infection rate remains under control. This ruling has generated protest from…
Protesters march against Covid restrictions in Switzerland
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Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the city of Wohlen near Zurich on Saturday to protest against anti-coronavirus measures.
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