Swiss, Turks open probes over 'Kill Erdoğan' protest banner

Swiss and Turkish prosecutors have opened investigations after protesters against Erdoğan hoisted a banner showing a gun pointed an image of his face next to the words "Kill Erdoğan"
Monday, 27 March 2017 15:49

Swiss and Turkish prosecutors have opened investigations after protesters against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Switzerland's capital hoisted a banner showing a gun pointed an image of his face next to the words "Kill Erdoğan."

Spokesman Dominik Jaeggi of the Bern police said Monday that regional prosecutors have opened a probe over alleged "public provocation of crimes or violence." Police collected evidence when the banner was raised in the peaceful protest Saturday outside the Swiss parliament in Bern, but did not pull it down.

Prosecutors in İstanbul also launched a probe, instructing police to identify the demonstrators who unfurled the poster. Those responsible could face charges such as membership in a terror organisation, insulting the president and promoting terrorist propaganda.