save the date 15.02.2024

Dear all

Wilson A and his former lawyer Bruno Steiner (deceased) in front of the Zurich District Court, April 2018

On February 15, 2024, Wilson A's proceedings against the police will take place before the High Court. It concerns Wilson's lawsuit against the group leader of the police action of October 19, 2009, in which Wilson A. was almost killed. 

The case of Wilson A. is exemplary of the institutional racism of the Swiss police and judiciary.   

The first stop was based on racial profiling. On the night of October 19, 2009, Wilson and his friend were asked to show their IDs by two police officers on the streetcar on their way home without any reason. Wilson A.'s question about the reason for the check was answered with an excess of violence by the police officers, which Wilson A. was lucky to survive. He suffered multiple and in some cases long-term injuries, and his friend B. was left permanently traumatized. 

Wilson A. filed a lawsuit against the officers involved and in particular against the group leader as the person primarily responsible. The responsible public prosecutor omitted any critical investigation, rejected all requests for evidence, refused to consult a forensic medical expert, willfully delayed the proceedings and twice attempted to discontinue them. It took over 8 years until the main hearing before the 1st instance. At the trial, the public prosecutor demanded that the accused police officer be acquitted. The court followed her request, did not take any further evidence and legitimized both the racial profiling and the excessive violence of the police officers involved with its acquittal. 
 
After Wilson A.'s appeal, things continued in the same way as in the first 8 years. The chief judge of the collegiate court followed in the prosecutor's footsteps, rejecting all requests for evidence and showing clear signs of bias. An action for bias was prevented by the decision of a political body, with the executive of the Zurich Cantonal Council refusing to waive the judge's immunity. Now, after more than 14 years, the case is being heard by the same judge at the higher court, the second instance, and the statute of limitations is about to expire. The lawyer Bruno Steiner, who was always very committed to Wilson, has since died. 

_______________________

The Alliance Against Racial Profiling is supporting Wilson in his fight for justice, together with the Justice4Nzoy alliance, the Autonomous School of Zurich and as many other collectives as possible. In the run-up to February 15, 2024 and on the day itself, we want to bring together various initiatives against racial profiling and racist violence. 

We want to show that we are there and that we are watching. 

We want to explain structural racism and the institutional racism of the police and justice system and show that this is not an isolated problem.

What can you do?

• Inform yourself, stay up to date; you can read the details of the case here
• Inform your group / network about it
• Get in touch if you would like to organize an information event with your group in January or early February or get involved (with your group) in any other way
• Come to the rally on February 10 in Zurich (details to follow), bring a sign or banner if possible
• If you like writing and documenting: come to the trial as a court observer, get in touch with us
• If you are good at drawing: Come to the trial as an illustrator, get in touch with us
• If you are good at social media and have time: Get in touch with us <3
• If you have some money to spare, support the campaign financially: IBAN CH17 0900 0000 1527 2391 5, Allianz gegen Racial Profiling, 3014 Bern
• Do whatever you feel like doing and let us know about it

Mail to:
Sincerely
Coordination group of the Alliance against Racial Profiling