Police in the federal capital Bern again used water cannon and rubber bullets against participants in an unauthorised Covid demonstration on Thursday evening.
Some 800 people took part in the protest against government anti-Covid restrictions. This comes after a similar demonstration drawing some 3-4,000 people also turned violent in Bern last week, with police using water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets.
Thirteen people were taken to the police station for further investigation after the latest protest, according to a statement by the Bern cantonal police on Friday. The suspects face charges of rioting and threatening the authorities.
Demonstrators chanted “freedom” as they marched through the streets of Bern old town full of late-night shoppers. Some protesters carried flowers as a sign of peaceful resistance.
However, fireworks were set off and projectiles were thrown at officers, police said. Police responded with rubber bullets. At around 9pm, water cannons and rubber bullets were used when demonstrators tried to move towards the parliament building. Several people tried to break through a barrier in front of the building before being pushed back, police said.
Police tolerated the march, even though it had not been authorised. Bern security chief Reto Nause said police were unable to prevent the protest as other people would have been put at risk. It was difficult for the police to identify who was there to demonstrate and who was shopping, he said.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
This content was published on
Several thousand gathered in northern Switzerland on Saturday in opposition to measures to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.
This content was published on
Police in Bern have used a water cannon, rubber bullets and irritant spray to break up an illegal protest against Covid measures that turned violent.
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.