First Liestal, then Altdorf. Once again, the “Silent Protest” association called for a corona demo. This time the rally should take place in Rapperswil-Jona SG. And this Saturday. But the city refused. Reason: too high number of cases. In addition, the demonstration in Liestal showed that corona skeptics would not adhere to the measures such as face mask and sufficient distance, the city announced at the end of March. Further talks between the city and the corona skeptics failed.
Anti-Corona demo: Here the crowd moves through Liestal BL(03:25)
Nothing new for the club. Even in Altdorf there was no demonstration permit. Nevertheless, hundreds came to the small community and gathered illegally at the Tell monument in the main square. The police intervened but were unable to prevent the demonstration. In the end, the Corona skeptics moved to a farm outside the village. Barbecue and drinking continued into the evening.
Police will be on site in large numbers
Such a thing should not be repeated. But that is exactly what the authorities fear. Above all, the St. Gallen canton police. On Thursday, she appealed to the Corona skeptics: “Don’t come to Rapperswil-Jona.” The second call followed on Friday. With the clear indication that the demonstration was banned.
The police assume that hundreds of corona skeptics will still come. “We expect that this will move in the four-digit range,” says Hanspeter Krüsi from the St. Gallen cantonal police to Blick.
Accordingly, the officials would prepare for the operation on Saturday. And with a large, visible contingent. At the same time, the police hope that fewer corona skeptics will come than expected. Kapo spokesman Krüsi to Blick: “We very much hope that due to the Federal Council’s easing phases on Wednesday, we no longer see any need to travel to Rapperswil-Jona and demonstrate.”
Operations like this are a burden for the officers, says Max Hofmann, General Secretary of the Association of Swiss Police Officers. “If such a large number of missions has to be planned every weekend, then it is clear that the load increases,” says Hofman «Nau».
The demonstration was rejected and that would have to be accepted
The mayor of Rapperswil-Jona is also worried. «As city president, the safety of the city and its residents is very important to me. Above all, I just hope that there will be no escalation, ”says Martin Stöckling (47, FDP).
The city had assessed the request neutrally and came to the conclusion that the demonstration could not be approved. That would have to be accepted. “I have to take note that now apparently some demonstrators want to come anyway. There is a right to demonstrate, provided that the law is respected and complied with. “
He is in contact with the police. Stöckling: “We hope for the best and prepare for all eventualities.” He is also in contact with those responsible for the “Silent Protest” association. Talks about an alternative demonstration date are in progress.
Corona skeptics cheer each other on on the Internet
The “Silent Protest” association officially wants to adhere to the ban. The demonstration does not want to be held, it is said at the request of Blick. However, there is also no clear request to the members not to come to Rapperswil-Jona. A message only says that on Saturday April 24, 2021, everyone will be appealing to common sense and personal responsibility. The association does not provide any further information on request.
Meanwhile, some corona skeptics are already cheering each other on to be in town on Saturday. How many demonstrators will actually come to Rapperswil-Jona remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the weather plays in their cards. It will be sunny – and up to 20 degrees.