Leftist squat community's internal handling of sexual assault fails, suspect flees to Germany
A left-wing squat collective in Bern tried to address sexual assaults on its site without police involvement, but the alleged perpetrator later raped another person and escaped to Germany.
In the summer of 2025 a member of a left-leaning squat on a Bern wagon-site was accused of sexual assault, prompting the collective to initiate a transformative-justice review instead of involving police. The process, based on ideas spreading through German-speaking activist circles, failed to prevent further abuse; six months later the same individual allegedly raped another person. Consequently, the collective expelled him in summer 2026, disclosed his nickname online, and admitted to a lack of realistic resources and professional support.
The Kantonspolizei Bern confirmed that rape is an off-the-record offence requiring police investigation, and it has now opened a case. The suspect is believed to have fled back to his hometown in Germany, raising concerns about victim protection and alleged perpetrator shielding within the scene.
Why it matters
It shows the limits of activist-led justice and the risk of victims being left unprotected.
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