Bern politician demands action against anti-facist movement

'The Antifa movement should be declared illegal in Switzerland' Keystone-SDA

A leading Bern politician wants the Antifa anti-facist movement to be outlawed following a violent pro-Palestinian demonstration in the Swiss capital.

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In statements made to Keystone-ATS, Philippe Müller, state councillor in Bern and head of the security department, called for a review of Antifa by the Federal Intelligence Service.

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The network of radical left-wing militants identify themselves with so-called anti-fascist action, opposing the extreme right and practising activism against racism, sexism and social discrimination. A ban would protect police, which were again the target of attacks, Müller argued.

Police repeatedly called on demonstrators to disperse on Sunday. Some obeyed, but many ignored the demands. Today this attitude is only a civil offence, punishable by a fine, but it should instead be qualified as a crime, says Müller.

It would then be possible to detain people who take part in unauthorised demonstrations for more than 24 hours and put them in preventive detention if there is a suspicion of a crime.

Müller also wants parents to be reported for bringing their children to the demonstration.

Translated from Italian with DeepL/mga

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