Police in Basel, Switzerland, prevented an unauthorized pro-Palestinian demonstration from taking place over the weekend after about 300 people gathered in the city’s Theaterplatz. Officers surrounded the protesters, carried out identity checks and used pepper spray during the incident, according to the Keystone-SDA news agency.
According to the report, between 200 and 300 people arrived at the square on Saturday at around 2 p.m. and chanted, among other slogans, “Free, free Palestine.” Some demonstrators carried signs reading “Death to Zionism."
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Police and pro-Palestinian protesters clash in Basel city center
(Photo: From social networks)
Police deployed in large numbers, positioned a water cannon nearby and closed off Theaterplatz. Officers gradually surrounded the protesters and conducted identity checks. At one point, clashes broke out as small groups of demonstrators gathered around the sealed-off area, with police chasing some protesters. Police also used pepper spray during the operation.
The demonstration had been promoted under the slogan “Death to Zionism” and was planned for August 29, the anniversary of the opening of the First Zionist Congress in Basel in 1897. One leaflet distributed ahead of the event stated: “We oppose not only Zionist policy in Israel, but also the support it receives here.”
Earlier, cantonal police announced that they would not approve the demonstration in its planned format, arguing that it was incompatible with fundamental rights. Police cited, among other things, explicit calls for violence linked to the planned protest.
Police also stressed that Basel’s Jewish community must be able to feel safe at all times. Police forces from the cantons of Bern and Aargau were sent to assist Basel police during the operation.