Basel Court of Appeal Reduces Sentences for 2016 Riot Defendants

The Basel-Stadt Court of Appeal has handed down reduced sentences to twelve individuals involved in a violent demonstration in Basel in June 2016. In its ruling delivered on Friday, the second-instance court overturned earlier convictions for property damage and simple bodily harm. The appellate judges nevertheless upheld convictions for rioting as well as violence and threats against public authorities and officials.

The decision represents a major modification of the sentences issued by the lower court, which had previously handed down unconditional, partially suspended, and suspended prison terms to members of the group. Under the appellate ruling, the majority of the defendants will receive suspended financial fines instead of serving time in prison. One woman was sentenced to a nine-month suspended prison term, while one male defendant was acquitted of all charges.

The criminal proceedings relate to an unauthorized demonstration in June 2016 that turned violent and led to widespread disruption in the city. The lower court had previously attributed both the physical injuries reported during the event and the resulting property destruction directly to the group, imposing stricter criminal penalties across all counts.

Disruption occurred shortly before the ruling was delivered on Friday. The defendants attempted to read a joint manifesto in the courtroom, prompting the presiding judge to order all twelve defendants to be removed from the hall prior to the formal reading of the judgment.

Written by Andreas Hofer andreas.hofer@alpineweekly.com