Demonstration 400 people demonstrate after police acquittal in Lausanne

Following the second acquittal of six city police officers, around 400 people demonstrated against police violence in Lausanne on Saturday. The trial before the High Court concerned the case of a Nigerian man who died during a violent arrest in 2018.

The 39-year-old was suspected of drug trafficking. The victim's family and a collective had called for the demonstration. Demonstrations had already taken place during the trial at second instance, which had been moved to Renens.

The demonstration, which started at 1.30 p.m. in front of the train station, was authorized, according to the city police. The procession through the city was peaceful. The demonstrators stopped at the spot where the 39-year-old was killed. In speeches, they denounced police violence.

After a three-day trial, the Vaud court of appeal concluded on Monday that the police had acted proportionately and could not be blamed for anything. The victim's cardiovascular arrest had occurred regardless of his position during the arrest. The court also acquitted the police officers of the charge of abuse of authority.