Swiss Ex-Rheinmetall Employee on Trial in Canada for Assaulting Protester

A former Rheinmetall worker from Switzerland faces criminal charges in Ottawa after punching a pro-Palestine demonstrator and shoving another.

Swiss Ex-Rheinmetall Employee on Trial in Canada for Assaulting Protester

A Swiss man who previously worked for the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is standing trial in Canada for physically attacking participants at a pro-Palestine demonstration in Ottawa. The incident took place in June 2024.

According to Blick, the defendant was on his way to a defence conference in the Canadian capital when several activists confronted him. The protesters accused the man of supporting genocide because of his participation in the event, which was attended by multiple Canadian defence companies.

The Swiss national admitted in court that he intentionally struck a 21-year-old female demonstrator in the face with his fist. The woman fell to the ground. He then pushed another protester aside and continued toward the conference venue, after which police took him into custody.

Before the current proceedings, the accused had already entered a guilty plea. In his defence, he attributed his actions to low blood sugar at the time of the confrontation, which he claimed caused irritability. He also cited post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from previous military experience, stating this condition triggered fear of crowds.

The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for the offence, as reported by the Canadian broadcaster CBC. The defendant's lawyer is arguing for an unconditional acquittal. The court is expected to deliver its verdict in mid-July.

Source: Google News CH — Crime (de)