Bern police used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets last night to keep crowds back from the Federal Palace. Thousands had gathered to protest against the use of the Covid pass and any move towards compulsory vaccination.
The City of Bern’s Security Director, Reto Nause, likened the demonstration to the storming of the US Capitol Building by Trump supporters in January – and tweeted his thanks to the police for holding the crowds back.
The large rally was organised on social media and had not been approved by the police.
Protestors had descended on Bern from all areas of the country – many waving their home cantonal flags.
After the police used water canon – some started to throw missiles and fireworks towards the parliament building.
The rioters were dispersed by around 10pm.
There were also other demonstrations in other parts of the country. Around a thousand met in Biel chanting ‘freedom’ and protesting the vaccination of children.
The cantonal hospital in Thurgau was also stormed by opponents of the vaccination programme.
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