Eleven police officers were injured during clashes this weekend with demonstrators near the Reitschule, the capital’s emblematic alternative cultural center. The head of the Bernese cantonal police denounced a targeted attack.
The Mayor of the City of Bern Alec von Graffenried described the clashes as incomprehensible and frightening on Monday. “The City will now analyze the incidents that occurred during the night from Saturday to Sunday,” the environmentalist told SRF.
For the moment, the authorities have not yet discussed these events with the operators of the Reitschule. Such violent incidents had not occurred for around five years.
Reacting quickly, the UDC of the City of Bern requested the closure of this alternative center. For her, the Reitschule “serves as a logistical base for attacks by the extremist and violent left against the police and passers-by”. The UDC believes that the canton of Bern must intervene if the City does nothing.
Pressure on the City of Bern
Precisely, the Bernese State Councilor PLR Philippe Müller asks Berne to assume its responsibilities. The cantonal security director explained Monday that he expected the municipality to take measures to stem the violence.
The City of Bern could, for example, make its financial support for the Reitschule dependent on the occurrence of such events. It would also be possible to close the alternative center for one or two weeks as happens for certain sectors in football stadiums after excesses, noted the Bernese State Councilor.
These incidents will be discussed on May 16 at the Bern City Council. The UDC parliamentary group has requested the opening of an urgent debate on this theme and several elected officials will submit interventions to the Reitschule. The installation of video surveillance to ensure the security of public spaces will undoubtedly be discussed.
Throwing stones and bottles
Police patrols intervened during the night from Saturday to Sunday after being informed that masked individuals were trying to set fire to containers and erect barricades at the Schützenmatte, within the perimeter of the Reitschule.
Arriving on site, the police were greeted by throwing stones and bottles and lasers. Police responded with rubber bullets, water cannons and irritant gas. Eleven police officers were injured. The three who were admitted to the hospital have been discharged.
“These employees should not have any consequences,” declared a spokesperson for the Berne cantonal police. During these clashes, police cars and also private cars were damaged.
These are ordinary patrols that were engaged to restore order, without riot gear, Bern regional police chief Willi Manuel said on the Telebärn television channel. The officers did not wear helmets.
Only outside the Reitschule
Reitschule officials have not yet taken a position on last Saturday’s case. On social networks, many supporters argue that the clashes took place near the Reitschule and not in the Reitschule.
The Schützenmatte, the outdoor square, is a hot spot, which is currently experiencing an upsurge in violence and drug dealing. Street workers in the City of Bern now refuse to go there at night. In the past, the Reitschule collective gave the argument that it was honoring its contract with the City by ensuring security inside, and refusing to take responsibility for problems outside.
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