Legal complaint filed over French cartoon

(c) Charlie Hebdo

A Swiss lawyer and writer couple have filed a criminal complaint over a Charlie Hebdo cartoon linked to the Crans-Montana tragedy.

The French satirical magazine published a cartoon depicting two burnt skiers with the caption ‘The Fried Ones go Skiing’ – it’s a reference to the French comedy films depicting package holidays.

Stéphane and Béatrice Riand notified prosecutors in Valais after the drawing appeared on the national day of tribute to the victims. 

The couple argue it violates Swiss law on violent imagery, undermines victims’ dignity, and serves no legitimate artistic or informational purpose.

The editor of the magazine, Gérard Biard, told the RTS the cartoon does not mock the victims, but highlights the absurdity of the tragedy.

He admits there’s been many complaints from Switzerland – but says compared to many others the magazine receives on a regular basis – those from Switzerland remain highly respectful.

 

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