Ex-Politician Spiess Wins Damages from 'Blick' in Second Instance

In a significant ruling, former politician Jolanda Spiess-Hegglin has partially won her case against Swiss media group Ringier, securing damages for articles that infringed upon her personal rights. The court confirmed her entitlement to claim profits derived from these offending publications, a principle known as 'Gewinnabschöpfung' (profit disgorgement).

The case centered on over 150 articles published by Ringier, which Spiess-Hegglin argued violated her personality rights. The second instance court specifically upheld her claim for profit disgorgement related to four of these articles. This legal victory affirms that media outlets can be held financially accountable for the profits generated by reporting that crosses legal boundaries concerning an individual's privacy and reputation.

However, the financial outcome was substantially less than initially sought. The court in the Canton of Zug reduced the awarded sum significantly, from approximately 310,000 Swiss francs to around 139,000 Swiss francs. This amount, equivalent to about 151,000 Euros, will also include five percent interest dating back to 2014/15, reflecting the prolonged legal process.

This decision, while a reduction, still represents a notable win for Spiess-Hegglin and sets a precedent for individuals seeking recourse against media overreach. It underscores the legal framework in place to protect personal rights against potentially invasive or damaging media reporting, even as it balances this with the financial realities and specific evidence presented in court.