Demonstrators called for a ceasefire, withdrawal of Russian troops and tough sanctions against the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as a rapid reduction in dependence on Russian oil and gas. Their demands also included humanitarian support for refugees and a generous and non-discriminatory reception of refugees in Switzerland, according to an organisers’ statement. Another call was for particular emphasis on the situation of women, since most of the refugees from Ukraine are women and children who could be vulnerable to sexual abuse.
The demonstration was called by a range of left-wing and centre-right parties. Trade unions, civil society organizations and religious groups were also invited.
After marching through the old town of Bern to the federal parliament, there were speeches notably from Alexandra Karle, director of Amnesty International Switzerland, and Rita Famos, president of the Evangelical-Reformed Church, who made a call for peace on behalf of the Swiss Council of Religions. The demonstration ended with a minute’s silence in memory of victims of the war.
Calls for justice
Demonstrators also called for an international investigation into war crimes and human rights violations. A number of judicial initiatives are already under way at international level. Switzerland is among a growing number of countries that have set up a unit to gather evidenceExternal link of possible Russian war crimes, notably from arriving refugees.
Meanwhile, prominent Swiss jurist Carla Del Ponte, former Prosecutor of the international tribunals for Rwanda and former Yugoslavia, called for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to issue an arrest warrant for the Russian president. “Putin is a war criminal,” she said in an interview published by Le Temps newspaper on Saturday.
“Issuing such a warrant does not mean Putin will be arrested,” she told the paper. “If he stays in Russia, that will never be the case. But it will be impossible for him to leave his country, and that will be an important sign that many states oppose him.”
The ICC opened a preliminary investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine on March 3, after receiving requests from more than 40 states including Switzerland.
More
More
Will Russia’s leaders be brought to justice for Ukraine war crimes?
This content was published on
As the International Criminal Court opens an investigation on Ukraine, we look at the chances of Russia’s leaders being held to account for the war.
This content was published on
Most of the 4,000 members of the armed forces who will be helping with various tasks from June 5 to 19 have now been deployed.
Legal action filed against pioneering Swiss large-scale Alpine solar plant
This content was published on
Three organisations have submitted an appeal with the administrative court in Bern against the planned large-scale solar plant in Oberwil.
Justice minister warns over Swiss parliament protest against climate ruling
This content was published on
Justice Minister Beat Jans says a possible declaration by the Swiss parliament against the European Court of Human Right (ECHR’s) recent landmark climate ruling against Switzerland could be problematic.
This content was published on
Talks aimed at reaching a global agreement on how to better fight pandemics will be concluded by 2025 or earlier if possible, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday.
This content was published on
Switzerland supports a new peace proposal pushed by US President Joe Biden for a hostage agreement and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Parts of Switzerland and Germany waterlogged as heavy rains continue
This content was published on
Heavy rains continue to affect eastern Switzerland and the centre of the country. Flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure have been reported. Further rains are forecast on Sunday.
Study: high pollen concentrations increase blood pressure
This content was published on
A high concentration of pollen can increase blood pressure in allergy sufferers, according to a Swiss study. The effect is much more pronounced in women and people who are overweight.
New asylum regulations come into effect in Switzerland
This content was published on
Several asylum-related changes come into effect in Switzerland on June 1 aimed at improving the employment and housing situations of refugees.
Swiss unions call for CHF5,000 monthly salary for qualified apprentices
This content was published on
All workers who have completed an apprenticeship should earn at least CHF5,000 per month, the Swiss Trade Union Federation said on Friday.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss welcome for Ukrainian refugees ‘going well’, says minister
This content was published on
Given the scale of the challenge, Switzerland is coping well with the influx of Ukrainian refugees, says Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter.
Most Swiss would support tougher sanctions against Russia
This content was published on
A poll shows that a majority of the Swiss population would be in favour of tougher sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
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.