Swiss police officer jailed for brutal attacks on asylum seekers
A Basel police officer has been sentenced to 39 months in prison for violent crimes, including attacks on asylum seekers. The conviction follows years of public outrage, with protesters gathering outside the court after the verdict. The officer, who denies wrongdoing, plans to appeal the decision. The case began in early 2023 when allegations surfaced that the officer had assaulted an asylum seeker. Witnesses claimed the attack started in a police vehicle and continued at the station. Public reaction was swift, with activists naming the officer online and praising the victim's bravery. By February and March of that year, the backlash had grown so intense that authorities suspended him from duty.
A 2024 report later exposed broader issues within Basel's police force, including racism and sexism. Despite this, the officer remained in the force, though reassigned, until a second suspension in autumn 2025. During the trial, prosecutor Isabelle Mati pushed for a harsh penalty, arguing for three years and seven months behind bars. She described the officer's actions as deliberate and dangerous.
The court ultimately sided with the victim, whose testimony was judged credible. In contrast, the officer's defence—claiming he had already suffered enough—was rejected. His statements were deemed inconsistent, and the judge ruled that two of the violent offences had occurred while he was on duty. Outside the courthouse on March 25, 2026, around 40 demonstrators held a peaceful protest, signalling that public anger had not faded. The 39-month sentence marks the end of a trial that has further damaged trust in Basel's police. The officer's conviction for grievous bodily harm, endangering life, and abuse of office stands unless overturned on appeal. Meanwhile, the case has left lasting questions about accountability within the force.
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