A Swiss appeals court on Monday confirmed the acquittal of six police officers charged with the manslaughter of a Nigerian man, Mike Ben Peter, following a violent arrest in 2018. The case has drawn comparisons to the death of George Floyd in the United States and sparked protests against alleged police brutality and racial bias in Switzerland.
Initial Arrest and Death
Ben Peter, 39, died in police custody after a forceful arrest near Lausanne railway station in early 2018. He reportedly resisted a police request for a drug search and was subsequently pinned to the ground on his stomach during the encounter with the six officers. He suffered a heart attack and died in hospital a few hours later.
Initial Trial and Appeal
The case initially received little public attention. However, following the global outrage over George Floyd’s death in May 2020, the Ben Peter case gained significant scrutiny. A court in Lausanne in June 2023 acquitted the officers of negligent homicide, a verdict that sparked demonstrations outside the courthouse. Ben Peter’s family appealed the decision.
Appeals Court Verdict and Reasoning
After three days of hearings, the cantonal appeals court in Renens upheld the lower court’s ruling. The judges relied heavily on forensic evidence, concluding that it was impossible to definitively link Ben Peter’s death solely to the police intervention. They argued his death resulted from “multiple factors” and emphasized his resistance during the arrest. The court also rejected the accusation of abuse of authority brought by Ben Peter’s family lawyer.
Disappointment and Continued Fight for Justice
The verdict brought disappointment and anger from Ben Peter’s family and their supporters. Bridget Efe, Ben Peter’s widow, vowed to continue seeking justice. Her lawyer is considering appealing to higher federal courts. Protesters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting slogans like “Black Lives Matter” and “Justice for Mike.” They criticized the court’s decision, claiming it exonerated the officers at the expense of accountability and justice for a Black man.
Defence’s Response
Lawyers for the police officers welcomed the verdict. They argued that the court’s detailed ruling provided a stronger justification for their clients’ acquittal compared to the lower court’s decision. They emphasized the thorough examination of evidence and maintained the officers acted lawfully throughout the arrest.
