Press Council does not act on complaint by Dignitas boss against News
The Swiss Press Council has declined to hear a complaint filed by Dignitas director Ludwig A. Minelli against the free newspaper News. It stated that proceeding with the case would not make sense, as the parties have reached an agreement.
The editorial team expressly acknowledged its mistake and apologized directly to the person concerned and also publicly, the Press Council wrote in a statement on Wednesday, according to SDA. Minelli had lodged a complaint with the Press Council against the caption "Ready to kill healthy people: Ludwig A. Minelli". He complained that it seriously violated the "Declaration of Duties and Rights of Journalists" with regard to truth and the protection of privacy.
Minelli upholds complaint
News then published a correction stating that the caption was "exaggerated and ultimately false". The newspaper apologized to Minelli. The legal department of the Tamedia publishing house also personally apologized to the head of Dignitas on behalf of the News editorial team for the "misplaced caption".
Minelli upheld the complaint because, in his opinion, the excuses for such a violation were not sufficient. The Press Council now stated that the matter was not of minor relevance. However, there was no point in carrying out a complaint procedure, as the Press Council could at most establish something that the parties agreed on anyway.
Minelli upholds complaint
News then published a correction stating that the caption was "exaggerated and ultimately false". The newspaper apologized to Minelli. The legal department of the Tamedia publishing house also personally apologized to the head of Dignitas on behalf of the News editorial team for the "misplaced caption".
Minelli upheld the complaint because, in his opinion, the excuses for such a violation were not sufficient. The Press Council now stated that the matter was not of minor relevance. However, there was no point in carrying out a complaint procedure, as the Press Council could at most establish something that the parties agreed on anyway.
