Media Source Swiss Radio International decries the recent violence during a recent People's Party demonstration, stating there had been controversy about a "poster campaign" - while not mentioning the context of the posters, which showed a group of sheep, several white and one black, with the black sheep in the process of being kicked out.
An article by the BBC (Oct 6) stated "a campaign video showing what it is claimed are young hooded foreigners committing violent crimes was withdrawn after the Swiss youngsters who actually took part complained they had been told they were taking part in a crime-prevention video."
'And across the country, hundreds of the black sheep posters have been defaced, many with a single word - "Shame". '
The Swiss news source blandly tells readers that the poster campaign has ..."made the headlines with a controversial poster campaign aimed at criminal foreigners."
The United Nations has demanded an explanation and the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities spokesman said it was a "disgusting way to conduct politics," that the campaign is reminiscent of the Nazi regime.
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October 6, 2007 - 6:25 PM
Pre-election rally marred by violence
Swiss Radio International
Several hundred militants prevented the estimated 10,000 People's Party supporters from marching through the streets of Bern to gather outside the parliament building.
Police fired teargas at the militants who went on a rampage and destroyed infrastructure for the planned rally on Parliament Square.
Police in the capital, Bern, have clashed with leftwing militants who tried to interrupt a planned election rally by the rightwing Swiss People's Party.
The violence is the latest sign of rising tensions ahead of an unusually divisive parliamentary election later this month.
Justice Minister Christoph Blocher - who is also the party's front man - accused the militants of seeking to suppress the freedom of speech.
"This day will go down in Swiss history," Blocher told a crowd of supporters at an improvised gathering.
He said the militants had prevented the largest political party in Switzerland from holding a peaceful demonstration.
Defence Minister Samuel Schmid, who also represents the People's Party in the seven-member cabinet, denounced the violence. He said Saturday's incidents were not in line with Switzerland's democratic traditions and values.
The protesters hurled rocks and bottles at security forces.
More than 20 policemen and demonstrators and policemen were injured in the skirmishes, a police spokesman said. Several dozen militants were detained for questioning...
Anti-Blocker Protest
A non-authorised demonstration by local left-wing groups was scheduled for the same time in Bern. Speakers criticised the People's Party for what they described as "xenophobic and fascist" policy.
An estimated 3,000 people attended the rally outside the city cathedral.
Opponents of Blocher also protested in Zurich and Geneva.
The demonstrations came as the election campaign draws to a close. It has been marked by use of controversial posters and efforts to ban minarets in Switzerland as well as allegations of a conspiracy against Justice Minister Blocher.
His party has gained popularity in recent years with its anti-European stance and its nationalist and isolationist message.
swissinfo with agencies
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