An appeals trial has commenced for six police officers previously acquitted in the death of Nigerian man Mike Ben Peter Amadasun, a case drawing parallels to George Floyd’s killing in the United States.
On Monday, July 1, 2024, dozens of protesters gathered outside the courthouse in Renens, western Switzerland, to support the deceased’s family. They held a large black banner with the words “No justice, no peace” in white letters.
The incident involved six police officers who allegedly pinned Amadasun to the ground on his stomach, according to the family’s lawyer, Simon Ntah, before the initial trial.
Last year, the officers were acquitted during their initial court hearing. In June 2023, after a four-day trial, the Lausanne Criminal Court ruled that the six officers could not be convicted of negligent homicide, following a decision by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The judges cited forensic expertise, which could not definitively state that Amadasun’s death was due to police intervention or their restraint methods.
The first court concluded that Amadasun’s cardio-respiratory arrest occurred independently of his position and that the causes of death were “multifactorial,” finding no causal link between the police intervention and his death. The court also ruled that the police officers had not breached their duty of care, contradicting the prosecution’s stance that the officers kept the victim on his stomach for too long. Conversely, the victim’s family lawyer argued that the police used disproportionate violence and indicated willingness to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.
The original acquittal sparked strong reactions, with people in the courtroom shouting “Shame” and “It’s too easy.” Outside the court, boos and slogans hostile to the police were chanted by about 100 gathered individuals. Amadasun’s widow and brother received applause as they left the court. “This is not fair at all. I want to get justice for my husband. I am a lioness and will not give up,” his widow said.
Several sympathizers invaded the court hall to express their anger, a rare scene in Switzerland. Lausanne municipal police commander Olivier Botteron, present in the audience, decided to turn back after leaving the court. Judges, lawyers, police officers, and some attendees left through the back.
The slogans lasted at least 45 minutes before calm returned, ending with a silent “sit-in.” The appeal trial will continue until Wednesday, July 3, with the verdict expected on the afternoon of July 8.
