Court rules: SVP-Glarner can be described as a ‘right-wing extremist of Gaga’.

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>

Can SVP Councilor Andreas Glarner (61) be described as a right-wing extremist? This question was heard today at the court of Bremgarten AG. Yes, a judge has now ruled that, the newspapers CH Media and Tamedia reported on Wednesday.

The background of the story: In December 2022, Hansi Voigt (61), former editor-in-chief of ’20 Minutes’ and founder of the Watson news portal, described the SVP National Council on the internet as a ‘Gaga right-wing extremist’. Tweet.

In June 2023, the Muri-Bremgarten Public Prosecutor’s Office sentenced AG Voigt to a suspended fine of 8,000 francs, a fine of 1,000 francs and 800 francs in legal costs based on a complaint by Glarner. Glarner’s reputation had been “discredited,” the sentencing order said. The reputation was also damaged. Voigt did not accept the verdict and continued the case.

Glarner feels his honor has been violated

Glarner, who was in court Wednesday to provide information, said Voigt had insulted his honor and damaged his reputation. The Aargau National Council described itself as politically right-wing and democratic, but not as extremist.

Voigt made it clear in court that he did not consider the entire SVP as right-wing extremist, but when a politician like Glarner positions himself ‘on the right-wing edge of a right-wing populist party’, right-wing extremism begins for him.

Voigt’s lawyer argued for acquittal. Because the tweet focused on political statements, and not on Glarner as a person. He argued that the criminal offenses of insult and defamation had not been met. The lawyer also cited instances where he believed Glarner had overstepped boundaries.

The case is passed on to the next authority

The judge ultimately ruled that the term ‘Gaga’s right-wing extremist’ was harsh, but had to be accepted within the context of political discourse. He emphasized that criminal law does not serve to suppress political expressions as long as they are based on serious reasons. The court therefore acquitted Voigt on Wednesday.

After the hearing, Andreas Glarner announced that he would refer the verdict to the next instance, namely the Higher Court of the Canton of Aargau. (oco)

Source:Blick