Large contingent deployed Police break up anti-WEF demonstration in Bern
The police surrounded the demonstrators at the train station.
Image: Keystone
Only a few hundred demonstrators gathered for the anti-WEF demonstration in Bern.
Image: Keystone
The police had a massive presence in the city.
Image: Keystone
The police surrounded the demonstrators at the train station.
Image: Keystone
Only a few hundred demonstrators gathered for the anti-WEF demonstration in Bern.
Image: Keystone
The police had a massive presence in the city.
Image: Keystone
The police have broken up an unauthorized anti-WEF demonstration in Bern. A massive police contingent was on site due to concerns about new riots.
17.01.2026, 21:41
17.01.2026, 21:42
SDA
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- Hundreds have gathered in Bern for two anti-WEF demonstrations.
- Fearing new riots, the police were on the scene with a large contingent.
- One of the gatherings was unauthorized but was tolerated by the police - a parade through the city centre was not.
This article was last comprehensively updated at 21:41.
On Saturday afternoon, police surrounded an unauthorized anti-WEF demonstration in Bern at the assembly point on Bahnhofplatz. A few dozen demonstrators were confronted by a massive police force.
Police in full riot gear cordoned off the station square for around two hours. Traffic was restricted, including access to the station at times. There were repeated disturbances in the encirclement.
The control of those trapped lasted until around 20:00. The police had provided them with mobile toilets and food, as reported on X. 25 people were taken to the police station on suspicion of obstructing official acts and violence and threats against officers, among other things, the police announced in a communiqué in the evening.
200 people sent away
Due to the unrest during the identity checks, the police briefly used pepper spray on one occasion. Seven officers were blinded with lasers and three had to go to hospital for a check-up. During the entire operation, around 200 people were checked and turned away. Behind the police cordon, numerous people showed solidarity with the demonstrators.
The reason for the operation was an unauthorized rally against the World Economic Forum (WEF). Left-wing, left-wing autonomous and pro-Palestinian groups had called for the demonstration. A few hundred predominantly young people responded to the call, some of whom withdrew in the course of the rally.
Police issued an ultimatum
Before the encirclement, the police used loudspeakers to point out that a peaceful demonstration in the square would be tolerated - but not a procession. The demonstrators responded with boos. As a result, demonstrators, some of them wearing masks, marched around the station square. Finally, the police asked the participants to leave the square before they surrounded those who remained.
Police officers from numerous cantons were present throughout the city center. A water cannon was also on site, but was not used. The Bundesplatz was cordoned off and numerous emergency vehicles were parked in front of the Bundeshaus.
City advised against participation
The city of Bern had advised against taking part in the rally in advance. The large police contingent had been announced. This was done with reference to "past similar demonstrations" and an authorized demonstration taking place at the same time in front of the Iranian embassy. The latter was peaceful.
Just over three months ago, a demonstration in the city of Bern got out of hand. The memorable Gaza demonstration on October 11 caused damage to property in the high six-figure range, and emergency services and demonstrators were injured.
On Thursday, the city government published a report on the political handling of these events and defended its approach. According to the report, it still believes it was right not to nip the unauthorized demonstration in the bud.