Swiss Broadcaster's Commentary on Israeli Bobsledder Deemed Discriminatory by Authority

Switzerland’s Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (ICA or AIEP) has ruled that a commentary by a local journalist during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics breached discrimination rules. The ruling, announced on Friday by a nine-member independent panel that voted 5-4, addressed public complaints regarding a broadcast on February 16 by French-language network Radio Television Suisse (RTS).

Sports commentator Stefan Reina referred to the Israeli team's pilot, Adam Jeremy Edelman, as “a Zionist to the core.” Reina stated in a video verified by Al Jazeera, “Adam Edelman is an Israeli athlete and a Zionist to the core, as he describes himself.” He further added, “He has posted several messages on social media supporting the genocide in Gaza,” noting that the term ‘genocide’ was used by the UN Commission of Inquiry. Reina also mentioned Edelman's description of the military intervention as ‘the most just and moral war in history’.

Reina questioned Edelman's presence at the Games, suggesting it raised issues concerning the International Olympic Committee’s eligibility criteria for athletes involved in activities supporting war. The ICA found that Reina's commentary, which appeared to be pre-prepared, implied Edelman should be excluded due to his political views. This, the authority concluded, conveyed a stigmatising and discriminatory message directed at Edelman, distinguishing him from the other 25 competing athletes.

The ICA determined that the commentator subjected the Israeli athlete to unequal treatment, violating the prohibition against discrimination. The full written reasoning and any requested measures will be published later. Typically, the ICA directs broadcasters to implement measures to prevent further violations and report on their actions.

Adam Edelman described the commentary as a “diatribe” and dismissed it. Israel’s embassy in Switzerland expressed its “deepest appalled by the blatant abuse” and called for decisive action and a clear apology. RTS subsequently removed the commentary sequence from its website.

The ICA adjudicates complaints against radio and television programmes, assessing compliance with laws regarding appropriateness, diversity, fundamental rights, minority protection, and the prohibition of glorifying or extenuating violence. Appeals against ICA decisions can be made to Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court.

Reina's commentary received support from various sports fans and Palestinian supporters who praised his stance. Meanwhile, the article notes Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza and warnings from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding displacement and concerns of ethnic cleansing. The Israeli bobsleigh team concluded their participation last among the 26 teams.