Film festival ditches chocolate sponsor

The Zurich Film Festival says it has ended its relationship with the chocolate manufacturer Läderach after an SRG TV documentary alleged strictly religious schools run by the former head of the chocolate maker, Jürg Läderach, routinely beat children.

Former students said they were hit with belts and struck on their naked bottom as punishments. 

The allegations stem from 20 years ago. Corporal punishment in schools has been banned since 2003.

Organisers of the film festival says they have jointly decided to end the relationship as the documentary was very distressing.

Although there are no allegations against the current school management, a statement from the festival says the suffering of the alleged victims and family are still associated with the company’s name. 

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