Bern Pro-Palestine Protest Escalates into Violent Clashes, Injuring 18 Police Officers

Unauthorized Demonstration Turns Violent in Swiss Capital

An unauthorized pro-Palestinian protest in Bern, Switzerland, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement, leaving 18 police officers injured. Four of the injured officers required hospitalization following the clashes. The demonstration, which drew an estimated up to 5,000 participants, was organized by various pro-Palestinian groups and left-wing movements, including the Swiss Climate Strike and the Young Communists, and was held against Israel's war in Gaza.

Police stated that the protest turned violent when officers attempted to restrict the movement of demonstrators. Protesters reportedly hurled a variety of objects, including stones, bottles, bricks, fire extinguishers, fireworks, and construction debris, at police lines. Some demonstrators were observed wearing masks and chanting slogans.

Police Response and Extensive Damage

In response to the escalating violence, Bern cantonal police, supported by units from other cantons, deployed water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons to disperse the crowd. Deputy regional head of the Bern cantonal police, Michael Bettschen, stated that the protesters' 'behaviour... forced the police to use coercive measures.'

The unrest resulted in significant property damage across the city. Reports indicate that more than 50 properties were damaged, with shop windows smashed, facades vandalized, and ATMs destroyed. Additionally, nine police vehicles sustained heavy damage. The total cost of the destruction is estimated to be in the millions of Swiss francs.

Detentions and Ongoing Investigation

During and after the clashes, police detained 536 individuals for identity verification. All but one of these detainees were subsequently released, with one person held on an existing arrest warrant. Authorities have condemned the 'unprecedented level of violence' witnessed during the protest and have launched a formal investigation. Prosecutors are expected to pursue charges related to violence, vandalism, and arson against some participants.

Police had previously urged the public not to attend the unauthorized rally and had attempted to engage with organizers prior to the event, but without success. The Federal Parliament building was barricaded, and access to several nearby streets was blocked as a precautionary measure.