Swiss Crossword Setter Acquitted of Defamation for 'Racist, Xenophobic' UDC Clue

• A crossword setter for Le Nouvelliste and the person responsible for its distribution were acquitted of defamation by the Sion district court.
• The case was initiated by the Valais section of the Swiss People's Party (UDC) over a crossword clue published on November 18, 2023.
• The court ruled that the crossword clue constituted an expression of opinion, which is protected by freedom of expression.
• The Valais UDC had previously demanded and received an apology from Le Nouvelliste following the publication of the crossword.
• The legal proceedings were extended in May 2024 after the defendants allegedly referred to the UDC as 'fascist' and 'supremacist' during a police hearing.

They Said