For several days now, MR MP Stéphanie Cortisse has been the target of a flood of hateful, sexist remarks and threats on social media. The cause: a clear political stance, expressed in a press interview, in which she pointed out that it is legitimate to be able to defend one's party president within a democratic framework.
This statement quickly sparked an unacceptable smear campaign, marked by degrading insinuations, personal attacks and misogynistic comments. Faced with this situation, Stéphanie Cortisse decided to file a complaint to have the seriousness of these acts recognised and to defend not only her own dignity, but that of all women engaged in politics.
Freedom of expression does not justify insults or harassment
Speaking out, debating, criticising: these are essential rights in a democracy. But they can never serve as an excuse for insults, slander or threats. As Stéphanie Cortisse pointed out, accepting political disagreement does not mean accepting verbal violence, sexism or dehumanisation.
Even today, too many political figures, particularly women, face a normalised form of online violence, often fuelled by a sense of impunity.
Ending the digital lawless zone
MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez expressed his full support for Stéphanie Cortisse and all victims of online hate campaigns. He also reiterated the need to update the legal framework to allow effective prosecution before the ordinary courts.
Currently, many incidents classified as press offences are very difficult to prosecute, which fuels a sense of impunity among those responsible for hateful comments. The MR wants to put an end to this situation and strengthen legal tools to protect citizens, elected representatives and democratic debate.
Defending democratic debate, protecting people
For the MR, democracy cannot function properly if intimidation, hatred and verbal violence take precedence over argument and the debate of ideas. Protecting those who engage in public life also means protecting the quality of democratic debate.
The MR will continue to work so that social media are no longer a space of impunity, but a place for responsible, respectful debate governed by the law.