Sion President Denies Journalists Admission - Imprint Demands End to Boycott
Since July 23, FC Sion president Christian Constantin has banned representatives of the daily newspaper Nouvelliste from entering the stadium. Impressum is now calling for an end to the boycott.
At the forum of Impressum presidents on September 28, 2018, the presidents of the sections unanimously and emphatically called on Christian Constantin to stop this boycott, as it "violates press freedom to the highest degree", according to a press release.
Background: For more than two months, the president of FC Sion, Christian Constantin, has banned all photographers and journalists from entering the Tourbillon Stadium to report on the Valais team's matches. This refusal of accreditation is linked to a complete ban on communication with the members of FC Sion.
Impressum condemns this behavior. This access ban violates the freedom of information of all citizens, criticizes the journalists' association. Christine Savioz, President of the Valais Press Association (UPU): "This is an unacceptable violation of the freedom of the press. The UPU cannot endorse this decision, as it has serious consequences for the functioning of the media and their freedom of action."
The access ban not only violates the freedom of information, but also the law against unfair competition, Impressum continued. The boycott constitutes behavior that hinders competition: The boycotted party is restricted in its economic activity or even prevented from carrying out its economic activity. Boycott practices are illegal if they are not justified by a legitimate and overriding interest. The boycott of C. Constantin is not justified by any legitimate and overriding interest and is therefore illegal under the Unfair Competition Act, writes Impressum. Economic freedom and freedom of trade and commerce were also violated (Art. 27 of the Federal Constitution, Art. 28 of the Civil Code).
