Bern Grand Council Targets Antifa, Black Blocs with Ban

The Grand Council of Bern, Switzerland, has voted to ban far-left extremist groups, including Antifa and Black Blocs, within the canton. The decision came after the right-wing Swiss People's Party (UDC) proposed a motion, which passed with 82 votes against 64, with the support of the right-leaning government.

Supporters of the ban cited a pro-Gaza demonstration in Bern on October 11, which resulted in 18 police officers being injured, over 500 arrests, a restaurant fire, and damage to 57 buildings. The UDC argued that individuals active in these movements "constitute a serious threat to internal security."

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constitute a serious threat to internal security

The Bernese Social Democrats strongly opposed the motion, issuing a statement expressing concern about the stigmatization of individuals who oppose the far-right. They criticized the parliament's support for what they termed "the extremism of the UDC" and accused the government of irresponsibility. The party also suggested the move echoed rhetoric from Donald Trump's administration, which designated Antifa as a terrorist movement.

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The PS is resolutely against fascism and is concerned about the stigmatization of people who position themselves against the far-right.

"Anyone who defends democracy, human rights, and the rule of law rather than despotism inevitably belongs to Antifa," argued Social Democratic lawmaker Alice Kropf, defending those who might be targeted by the ban.

In response to the Grand Council's decision, approximately 200 people gathered peacefully in Bern on Thursday evening to protest. The vote occurred as a massive security operation was being prepared in Geneva for the G7 summit scheduled from June 15 to 17.

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Anyone who defends democracy, human rights, and the rule of law rather than despotism inevitably belongs to Antifa.