Protest against FIFA President

A group of demonstrators stormed the ETH main building Tuesday evening, to protest against a speech by FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter. They lit a smoke bomb and set off the fire alarm. The city police, as well as firefighters, were on the spot.

Enlarged view: Revolt in front of the main building of ETH (photo: ETH Zurich)
A group of demonstrators stormed the ETH main building Tuesday evening. (photo: ETH Zurich)

As part of their 75 year anniversary series, the ASVZ had invited Joseph S. Blatter for a lecture at the ETH Zurich. A counter-demonstration was announced in advance. Thus, the city police was present with a squad in front of the main entrance of ETH Zurich in the early evening.

No immediate danger

Initially, the protest of the crowd was confined to anti-Blatter calls from outdoors. Then, the demonstrators entered the interior of the main building. They strolled through the hallways chanting loudly and lit a smoke bomb in the south courtyard. It caused no major damage and luckily posed no immediate danger to people. In addition, the protesters set off a fire alarm, whereupon the firefighters advanced with two crew cars. Shortly after this incident, the protesters left the building. No arrests took place.

Complete closure would not be proportionate

The security measures taken by the city police had been agreed upon with the ETH Zurich and found to be sufficient. “A complete closure of the ETH main building because of such an event would not be proportionate and also impossible. The main building is an open building. At occasions with an increased security risk, we always decide situationally in agreement with the authorities", said Katherine Timmel, the head of security at ETH Zurich. "After this incident, we will of course analyze the taken measures as we always do and consider how we can improve our measures."

The lecture of Joseph S. Blatter continued uninterrupted.

Comments

Leave a comment

Leave a comment

We are happy if you comment on articles on ETH channels, ask questions or respond to comments from other readers. Please note our comment policy when doing so.

No comments yet