Swiss Police Disrupt Pro-Palestinian Rally in Basel

Police in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday prevented an unauthorized pro-Palestinian demonstration from taking place after approximately 300 people gathered in Theaterplatz. Officers surrounded the protesters, conducted identity checks, and used pepper spray during the event, according to the Keystone-SDA news agency. Between 200 and 300 individuals had arrived at the square around 2 p.m., chanting slogans including "Freedom, freedom for Palestine." Some carried signs with messages such as "End Zionism."

The police had a significant presence, deploying a water cannon and cordoning off the square. They gradually encircled the demonstrators and performed identity checks. Clashes erupted at one point, with small groups of protesters gathering around the closed-off area, leading to chases between police and demonstrators. Pepper spray was deployed by the police during the operation.

The rally was promoted under the slogan "Death to Zionism" and was scheduled for August 29, the anniversary of the first Zionist Congress held in Basel in 1897. Leaflets distributed prior to the event stated, "We oppose not only the Zionist policy in Israel but also the support it receives here."

Earlier, the cantonal police had announced they would not permit the demonstration as planned, citing that it did not align with fundamental rights. The police specifically mentioned explicit calls for violence associated with the planned protest. They also emphasized that the Jewish community in Basel must be able to feel safe at all times. Police forces from the cantons of Bern and Aargau were dispatched to assist Basel police during the operation.