After a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Bern descended into violence on October 11th, centre-right and right-wing parliamentarians are demanding legal action against violent extremism, reported RTS. The proposed measures include bans on pyrotechnics, the use of facial-recognition technology, and longer detention periods.
Details were presented in Bern by the Alliance Sécurité Suisse, a cross-party group bringing together members of the Centre, PLR/FDP and UDC/SVP. The alliance said the unrest, which left 18 police officers injured, underscored the threat to public safety. It is time to close the gaps in the law, according to the group.
Lawmakers argue that preventing and prosecuting violent acts at protests has become increasingly difficult. In 2024, a quarter of far-left demonstrations have ended in violence, said Reto Nause, a Centre Party MP and president of the alliance. Rioters, he said, leave behind devastation, destruction and fear. The group wants the costs of damage to be recoverable from those taking part in unlawful demonstrations.
Other proposals call for stricter penalties and expanded surveillance powers. “Carrying objects clearly intended to provoke riots—such as helmets, batons, or fireworks—is not currently regulated,” noted Werner Salzmann, a UDC/SVP senator. He and others want such offences to be punishable by at least one year in prison when committed against police.
Members of the alliance also advocate broader investigative powers for the Federal Intelligence Service, which can currently monitor only publicly available information. “Targeted surveillance should be possible following calls to violence,” said Jacqueline de Quattro of the FDP, adding that facial-recognition technology using AI could help identify offenders. She argued that such systems can recognise individuals even when masked.
Not all agree. Green MP Clarence Chollet warned that mass surveillance for a few offenders would be extremely costly and prone to false positives. The solution remains an effective, informed and intelligent police presence, she said.
Some deputies also seek longer detention times. PLR/FDP MP Christian Wasserfallen has proposed doubling the maximum custody period from 24 to 48 hours, arguing that current limits are no longer appropriate.
The debate, though sparked by a single episode of unrest, reflects a broader tension between security and civil liberties in a country long proud of its tradition of peaceful protest.
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Ghufran Beg says
What about the yearly protests on May 1st when shop fronts are smashed.
We also have football fans using fireworks and spraying up the walls every time there is a foot ball match. Yet the police watch and do nothing whilst escorting them to the stadium like they are some sort of royalty.
Yet its taken a protest about a genocide to consider tougher laws!?
This just sounds like an excuse to crack down on the pro-Palestinian movement just like has been done in other countries on the premise that these are somewhat violent. The reality being that in almost all cases these protests are peaceful.
Joy says
I strongly suggest that protesters who are not Palestinians should go and see for themselves the life in Palestine. Go and see how Palestinian keaders treat their own, especially women and children.
To the non-Swiss protesters, you are in Switzerland, NOT YOUR COUNRTY, your ancestors contributed nothing to bring CH to where it is now.
Be thankful of the Swiss’ generosity to allow you here. And if you are dependent on CH’s social services, shame on you for endangering the lives of the taxpayers who are feeding you.
I am a hard-working foreigner and a tax-payer. I hate to see my expensive taxes being spent to repair the damages that you are doing. The air was full of chemicals in Geneva during your latest protest/attack. Commuters inhaled the chemicals.
The HUG and medical people will be loaded with more patients, health insurance companies will pay more, I will pay more and will be absent from work..
You are a nuisance. Shame on you.
Please leave Switzerland and do your disruptive acts in your country.
Our beloved Palestine is where it is now because of your own doing. You had chosen your leaders. You had entrusted your future to them when you chose and supported them.
Blame yourselves for your misfortune. Why blame the world?
And if you are a non-Palestinian, please go and live with them first in their country before you decide to join their rallies.