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National anti-racism demonstration called off

A national demonstration against racism has been cancelled, less than a week before it was due to take place in the capital, Berne.

This content was published on September 11, 2000 - 13:14

The organising committee, Open Hearts, said the meeting - scheduled for Saturday - was being called off because two rock stars, who were supposed to attend the rally, could not attend.

The American rock singer, Tina Turner, and the British musician, Phil Collins - both of whom live in Switzerland - were booked to be the main attractions for the demonstration.

A spokesman for the organisers said it was impossible to set up an alternative programme at short notice for Saturday. But he did not rule out the possibility of staging a nationwide event later in the year.

A similar demonstration, planned for the same day near Lucerne, is going ahead as planned. The rally is being organised and supported by left-wing groups, the Green Party, trade unions, as well as anti-racism groups.

The idea of a nationwide demonstration was launched following a perceived rise in racist and rightwing extremist incidents in Switzerland over the past few months.

On 24 September, the Swiss electorate will vote on a proposal to limit the number of foreign residents to 18 per cent. This people's initiative has been criticised by the government as inhuman.

swissinfo with agencies

In compliance with the JTI standards

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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