Switzerland: Two Nights of Rioting in Lausanne Following Death of Young Migrant in Police Chase

Hat tip Gates of Vienna

The Swiss city of Lausanne has experienced two consecutive nights of rioting following the death of a 17-year-old migrant who died in a crash during a police chase. The young man, who has been identified as Marvin M. by various sources, was being chased on a stolen scooter when he crashed into a wall. He is reportedly of African origin. The incident happened around 3:45 am on Sunday morning and has been followed by two nights of rioting (Sunday and Monday).

The article below from the French-language 24 Heures (Switzerland) is translated by Fousesquawk.

Riots in Lausanne

Second night of riots has resulted in 7 arrests

Between 150-200 persons wreaked havoc in the Prelaz quarter of Lausanne on Monday evening.

-By Mathilde Schott

Posted August 26, 2025 at 07:23, Updated August 26, 2025 at 09:18 

Caption: Second night of riots in the Prelaz quarter

Containers and trash cans set on fire in the road, TL bus damaged, stones, mortars, Molotov cocktails, and pyrotechnic devices thrown. For the second consecutive night, the streets of Lausanne were very unsettled Monday evening. 

According to Lausanne police, between 150-200 persons, some of whom were wearing masks/hoods, moved burning containers and trash cans onto the road in the Lausanne quarter of Prelaz shortly before 10 pm, Monday evening.

Following this second night of riots, 7 persons were arrested. The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Juvenile Court will be informed.

Caption: Containers and trash cans on fire.

Around 10:50 pm, police report that other young people damaged a TL bus in the Boveresses/Praz-Sechaud quarter and set containers on fire.

Rubber bullets and tear gas grenades

Police state that necessary measures were deployed to restore order and disperse the protesters. According to police, the first patrols who arrived at the riot sites were pelted with stones, construction barriers, Molotov cocktails, and pyrotechnic devices.

Caption: On Avenue Morges in Lausanne

Police had to fire 4 rounds of rubber bullets and 54 tear gas grenades. A fire engine was also deployed to spray water and disperse the protesters.

Under protection of police, firefighters extinguished about a dozen fires. Calm was restored shortly after midnight. 

Criminal complaint by TL

For their part, the TL will file a criminal complaint for property damage. City of Lausanne services have been tasked with removing debris and cleaning up the damaged roadway following various fires.

A new appeal for calm has been issued by police and Lausdanne authorities. Young people are urged to respect the calm and public order. As of now, neither any of the protesters nor the police have been injured. 

Caption: Trash cans on fire in the roadway.

Source: http://garyfouse.blogspot.com/2025/08/switzerland-two-nights-of-rioting-in.html