Anne-Sophie de Rous, a photographer and radio columnist for RTS Première, is filing a criminal complaint after receiving open calls for her murder following her support for the death penalty for recidivist child sex offenders. The backlash, which targeted de Rous after she commented on the killing of 11-year-old Lyhanna in France, highlights a growing trend of “brutalization of the digital public space” according to sociologists.
The Catalyst: A Debate on Capital Punishment for Child Crimes
The controversy began on June 14 during the program Les Beaux Parleurs. Host Jonas Schneiter questioned his columnists about the case of Lyhanna, a child raped and murdered in France, and the failures of the penal system. De Rous stated she shared the view that capital punishment should be applied in these specific cases.
De Rous returned to the air on June 28 to address the subsequent wave of hatred. She told watson that while she has been challenged for her opinions before, she has never experienced “open calls for murder” until now. She noted that many attackers did not hide behind anonymity, posting threats under their real names and photos.
Did you know? De Rous argues that life imprisonment isn’t a “morally neutral” alternative to the death penalty because it transfers a permanent security risk to prison staff who must monitor and protect high-risk criminals.
The Paradox of “Humanist” Violence
De Rous pointed out a sharp contradiction in the reactions she received. She observed that individuals who oppose the death penalty on humanist grounds were the same people calling for her lynching for expressing a differing opinion.
She clarified that her position is strictly limited to pedocriminals who derive pleasure from the massacre of children. According to de Rous, the death penalty in these cases is not about general deterrence—which she says is a tool of dictatorships—but about delivering justice to specific victims.
Sociological Analysis: The “Brutalization” of Digital Discourse
Michael Perret, a sociologist and professor at HES-SO in Neuchâtel, describes these threats as a symptom of a broader phenomenon. Perret states that for twenty years, there has been a rise in online hate, including racist, misogynistic, and violent calls for murder. He refers to this as the “brutalization of the digital public space.”
Perret argues that this violence isn’t just about anonymity. He explains that distance prevents users from seeing the gaze of the person they are targeting, which creates a “disinhibition mechanism.”
Why Social Media Algorithms Fuel Conflict
According to Perret, the business model of platforms like Facebook and Instagram contributes to this toxicity. Polished, argumentative exchange—what philosopher Jürgen Habermas associated with the public sphere—has been replaced by “eructations” of violence. Perret notes that platforms benefit from “negative virality” because controversial and violent content generates higher engagement, clicks, and shares.
Pro Tip: To combat online hate, some users are adopting “counter-moderation.” Perret cites content creator La Dame d’Encre, who identifies hateful commenters and contacts their relatives to confront them with their words, reminding them that digital screens do not suspend legal or moral responsibility.
RTS Position and the Defense of Free Expression
The RTS described social networks as a “fertile ground” for insults and threats. The broadcaster stated it intends to remain neutral and independent against pressure or intimidation to defend freedom of expression within legal limits.
RTS clarified that its columnists are not employees but are paid to participate in debates. The network stated it does not “pay for or sponsor opinions.” Jonas Schneiter, the producer and host of Les Beaux Parleurs, declined to comment following recommendations from the RTS press service.
Gender and Targeting
De Rous believes her gender likely made her a target. “For these people, seeing a woman of 1m59 and 50 kilos, they imagine she is a much easier target,” she told watson. However, she stated she has no intention of self-censoring or leaving the program.
FAQ: Online Hate and Legal Recourse
Can you be prosecuted for threats made under a real name on social media?
Yes. According to Professor Michael Perret, the use of a screen does not suspend penal responsibility in Switzerland.
Why is the “humanist” opposition to the death penalty criticized in this case?
Anne-Sophie de Rous argues it is contradictory to oppose the death penalty for criminals while simultaneously calling for the death of a civilian who holds a different opinion.
How do social media platforms handle this type of content?
Perret explains that platforms use hybrid algorithmic and human moderation, but it is often imperfect and relies on reports after the content is already published.
What is your take on the balance between freedom of expression and the prevention of online hate? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more analysis on digital ethics.
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