Swiss Court Sentences Writer to Jail for Homophobic Remarks
A court in Switzerland has handed down a 60-day jail sentence to French-Swiss writer and commentator Alain Bonnet, also known as Alain Soral, for making derogatory remarks about a journalist, Catherine Macherel. The decision has garnered praise from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The Verdict
On Monday, the Lausanne court found Alain Soral guilty of defamation, discrimination, and incitement to hatred due to his offensive comments directed at Catherine Macherel, a journalist working for Swiss newspapers Tribune de Geneve and 24 Heures. Soral had made these remarks in a Facebook video two years ago.
Support from LGBTQ+ Groups
Muriel Waeger, co-director of a lesbian activist group, hailed the court’s decision as a significant moment for justice and LGBTQI rights in Switzerland. She stated, “The conviction of Alain Soral is a strong signal that homophobic hatred cannot be tolerated in our society.”
Penalties Imposed
In addition to the 60-day jail sentence, Alain Soral has been ordered to cover legal fees and fines amounting to thousands of Swiss francs.
The Offensive Comments
Soral’s offensive comments against Catherine Macherel included derogatory remarks such as calling her a “fat lesbian,” criticizing her work as a “queer activist,” and labeling her as “unhinged” in a social media video. These comments were reported by Swiss public broadcaster RTS.
Response from Soral’s Lawyer
Soral’s lawyer, Pascal Junod, derided the conviction as a “crime of opinion” and questioned whether it was an attempt to enforce conformity of thought. He conveyed these views in an email to The Associated Press.
Appeal Planned
Soral intends to appeal the verdict, first to the Swiss federal court and, if necessary, to the European Court of Human Rights, according to his lawyer.
Legal Background
In 2020, Swiss voters approved a measure that made it illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation.
Past Legal Troubles
This is not the first time Alain Soral has faced legal consequences for his words. He has previously been convicted in France for Holocaust denial, which is a crime in that country. In 2019, he received a jail sentence for his denials.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.