Police removed a transgender woman from the “Paradiesli” women’s section of the Marzilibad swimming pool in Bern on Sunday afternoon following complaints from other guests. The incident, which resulted in the individual spending the night in a hospital to document injuries, has sparked a public controversy and a call for an independent investigation into the conduct of the six officers involved.
Events at the Marzilibad
The situation began when two visitors to the women’s section reported feeling harassed by the presence of the transgender woman, according to a statement from the individual’s associates. Private security staff were notified, who subsequently requested police assistance. The police reported that the individual refused to leave the area despite being asked to do so by pool staff.
Upon arrival, police officers attempted a identity check, which was met with resistance. According to the police, several bystanders intervened to support the transgender woman, which hindered the intervention. During the scuffle, an unknown person allegedly attacked a female officer, causing her minor injuries.
The “Paradiesli” is a designated women-only section within the Marzilibad facility, a detail that served as the focal point for the initial complaints and the subsequent police intervention.
Allegations of Excessive Force
The environment surrounding the individual has characterized the police intervention as “disproportionate.” Reports indicate that six officers used significant physical force to take the individual to the ground before applying handcuffs. Following a two-hour detention at a police station, the person was taken to a hospital.
Medical staff documented several injuries, including “multiple large hematomas,” according to the individual’s associates. Further criticism was directed at the police department’s deployment strategy, specifically that three male officers entered the women’s section before female officers were requested for support. The group is now calling for a transparent review of the incident and a clarification of the legal basis for the police actions.
The tension in this case highlights the complex intersection of institutional policy, individual rights, and public order. When private security and police are called to manage social conflict in gender-segregated spaces, the threshold for “proportionality” becomes a central point of legal and public scrutiny.
What Happens Next
The Canton Police of Bern have confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway. Following the individual’s release from police custody, a protest formed on the Waisenhausplatz, with demonstrators marching through the city center. The police stated that this solidarity demonstration remained peaceful and resulted in no property damage.
A possible next step involves the formal review requested by the individual’s supporters, which may clarify the protocols for police conduct in gender-segregated environments. The ongoing investigation by the Canton Police is likely to determine whether the use of force was justified and if the actions of the bystanders or the individual will lead to further legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the police called to the Marzilibad?
Two visitors reported feeling harassed by the presence of a transgender woman in the women-only “Paradiesli” section. The pool’s private security service then requested police assistance after the individual refused to leave the area.
What injuries were reported?
According to the individual’s associates, she spent the night in a hospital following her release from police custody. Medical documentation from that visit included “multiple large hematomas” attributed to the police intervention.
Did the police report injuries to their staff?
Yes. The police stated that during the intervention, an unknown person attacked a female officer, who sustained minor injuries in the process.
How should public facilities balance privacy expectations with inclusive access policies?