Switzerland: Police clear protest camp in central Bern September 23 /update 2

Event

Police deployed to remove protesters from a camp they had set up in the vicinity of the parliament building in Bern on Wednesday, September 23, after demonstrators gathered to demand that the country takes further action on climate change. Protests had been present at the Bundesplatz since Monday, September 21, and were given until noon of Tuesday, September 22, to vacate the area before they would be removed. The dispersal took several hours after protesters chained themselves to objects in the area. Police had used tear gas and water cannon on Tuesday to disperse demonstrators at Waisenhausplatz who were attempting to join the Bundesplatz gathering.

Further unrest is possible in the city following the operation. Associated disruptions, in addition to clashes between protesters and police, cannot be ruled out in the near term.

Advice

Those in Bern are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and avoid protests and demonstrations as a precaution.