Switzerland: CFWIJ condemns the online attack against Cathy Macherel

September 18, 2021, Zurich- Cathy Macherel was targeted with vicious insults by far-right essayist and filmmaker Alain “Soral'' Bonnet. In a video published on Facebook, Soral targeted Cathy with deeply gendered attacks as well as homophobic insults. The nature of the video was threatening enough for Cathy to register a report with law enforcement agencies. 

In a Facebook video originally shared on September 3, Soral expressed deeply discriminatory and threatening remarks against the queer community as well as journalist Cathy Macherel. The incident took place after Cathy published an article for her employer organization la Tribune de Genève, on the past activity of Soral and his far-right publication “Egalité & Réconciliation'' (E&R). This is not the first time Soral has attacked vulnerable communities in the country with inflammatory remarks. He had earlier been taken into police custody because of his anti-semitics comments. 

Cathy has since registered a legal case against Soral. Discrimination against the queer community is illegal in the country. The Swiss Penal Code punishes discrimination and incitement hatred against LGBTQ+ people under article 261bis, which entered into force on July 1, 2020, after a popular vote. According to Cathy, Soral’s recent video is not just an attack against her, but an attack against the queer community as well as the freedom of press. La Tribune de Genève has also come out in support of their journalist, backing her in her demand for legal action against Soral. Cathy has also received support from media trade union, Syndicom. In a statement published on its website, the union claimed that “Threatening, intimidating or harassing a journalist is a blow to the freedom and the duty to inform. The defense of press freedom goes through the protection of media professionals.”

The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends solidarity to Cathy Macherel and urges law enforcement agencies to take action against this incitement to hatred. Recent political developments serve as a reminder that far-right populism and its ability to incite violence is a very real risk that journalists, especially journalists from vulnerable communities face. Legal action needs to be taken against individuals who are not just in violation of the law but also putting other citizens at risk of harm by such inflammatory remarks against them. This should not only be urgently addressed to ensure Cathy’s safety but also to ensure that the Swiss LGBTQ+ community feels safe and the democratic principles of free speech are upheld in the country.