Swiss public broadcaster executive receives death threat

Berlin, November 21, 2025 — The Committee to Protect Journalists urgently calls on Swiss authorities to investigate the anonymous email death threat targeting Pascal Crittin, director of Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), a Swiss public broadcaster.

“In Switzerland, where threats against the press are exceptionally rare, this incident is deeply
worrying,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Intimidating journalists and media
leaders through violent threats is an unacceptable attack on press freedom and has a chilling
effect. Swiss authorities must respond swiftly and decisively to identify the perpetrators and
ensure the safety of Crittin and RTS staff.”

The motive behind the death threat, received on November 13, the day of the official
inauguration of the station’s new premises in Lausanne-Ecublens, remains unclear. In
response, RTS enhanced security measures at its Geneva and Lausanne offices, including the
deployment of bodyguards, to protect the safety of Crittin, staff, and visitors.

The Swiss public broadcaster is entering a politically sensitive period, as a planned March 2026
referendum could halve the budget of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR), RTS
parent organization.

CPJ emailed the press department of Vaud Cantonal Police for comment but
received no response.