Christoph Blocher examines lawsuit against TSR
Christoph Blocher is showered with malice in the French-speaking press after his attempt at censorship on TSR television in French-speaking Switzerland. The German-speaking Swiss are simply not used to harsh satire. Meanwhile, the Blocher camp is considering legal action.
Christoph Blocher is showered with malice in the French-speaking press after his attempt at censorship on TSR television in French-speaking Switzerland. The German-speaking Swiss are simply not used to harsh satire. Meanwhile, the Blocher camp is considering legal action. On Monday, the program "Infrarouge", a French-speaking television debate in the style of Arena, was recorded - the topic of the program was the asylum proposals. On Tuesday, Blocher tried unsuccessfully to remove the caricatures drawn live by Mix & Remix from the program before it was broadcast that evening (see
Christoph Blocher demanded changes to TV program). On Wednesday, the Minister of Justice was the laughing stock of the French press. Le Matin editor-in-chief Peter Rothenbühler told the SDA: "Blocher has completely overreacted, now he's getting his comeuppance". He himself had already been denigrated as a gutter journalist on the show. The German-speaking Swiss certainly don't simply have less humor, Rothenbühler surmises, but satire is already less biting there than in the French culture.
Federal Council spokesman Oswald Sigg confirms that Blocher is not ruling out the possibility of legal action. He could take his case to the Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (UBI) or the Press Council. However, experts believe that the chances of a possible complaint are slim. Press Council Vice President Sylvie Arsever told SDA that Blocher was aware of the rules of the game. He therefore has little chance of being reprimanded, only if the caricatures were "really offensive or defamatory".
Christoph Blocher demanded changes to TV program). On Wednesday, the Minister of Justice was the laughing stock of the French press. Le Matin editor-in-chief Peter Rothenbühler told the SDA: "Blocher has completely overreacted, now he's getting his comeuppance". He himself had already been denigrated as a gutter journalist on the show. The German-speaking Swiss certainly don't simply have less humor, Rothenbühler surmises, but satire is already less biting there than in the French culture.
Federal Council spokesman Oswald Sigg confirms that Blocher is not ruling out the possibility of legal action. He could take his case to the Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (UBI) or the Press Council. However, experts believe that the chances of a possible complaint are slim. Press Council Vice President Sylvie Arsever told SDA that Blocher was aware of the rules of the game. He therefore has little chance of being reprimanded, only if the caricatures were "really offensive or defamatory".
