Basel appeals court hands down lighter sentences in riot case

Basel’s appeals court has issued mostly suspended fines instead of prison terms to defendants in a case over a procession marked by riots in June 2016, SRF reported Friday.

The court cleared the participants of property damage and simple assault charges, but upheld convictions for breach of the peace and violence or threats against authorities and officials. It fully acquitted one man.

A woman received a nine-month suspended prison sentence. The other defendants were given suspended fines. The lower court had imposed unconditional, partly suspended and suspended prison sentences.

Before the verdict was announced, the defendants tried to read out a manifesto. The presiding judge ordered them to leave the courtroom.