Giroud case: Imprint raises accusation of censorship
Imprint condemns as censorship the precautionary ban imposed on French-speaking Swiss radio and television from broadcasting two reports on the Giroud affair. The decision of the judiciary is a serious violation of the freedom of information.
As a precautionary measure, the district court of Sion had forbidden the West Swiss Radio and Television (RTS) from broadcasting two reports about the Valais wine merchant Giroud on Monday evening. Imprint showed up on Tuesday in a message indignantly over this decision of the judicial authorities. The case is all the more serious because it is already the second censorship measure against RTS within three months. Imprint also described it as shocking that this time the court had even violated the right to be heard. The judge had not even heard RTS before granting the broadcast ban demanded by Giroud Vins. Back in February, the Valais judiciary had ordered Radio and Television of Western Switzerland to withdraw an article on its website. At that time, RTS had allegedly reported about illegally mixed wines of the wine trader. RTS appealed against the decision. The proceedings are currently still pending. RTS stated on Monday evening that it would respect the broadcasting ban. At the same time, however, the broadcaster announced to make use of all possible legal ways.
Dominique Diserens, central secretary of Imprint, expressed her conviction on Tuesday in response to a question from the SDA news agency that the district court had violated both the public interest and the right to be heard in the latest case. "This decision is a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, which would be chopped up in Strasbourg," Diserens said. (SDA)
