Swiss court lifts ban on RTS investigative reports into healer Denis Vipret

Swiss French-language broadcaster RTS can now re-air two investigative reports after an eight-month ban. The programmes, originally broadcast in July 2025, focus on allegations against alternative healer Denis Vipret. A court ruling has overturned the injunction that forced their removal.

The reports, part of RTS's Vraiment programme, examine claims from women accusing Vipret of violating their sexual integrity. After their initial broadcast, the programmes were temporarily pulled following legal action by Vipret's team.

The Lausanne District Court has now rejected Vipret's request for interim measures to block the broadcasts. His lawyer, Nicolas Capt, called the ruling provisional, noting the court found the facts presented were not obviously false. Vipret continues to deny the allegations and remains innocent until proven otherwise. RTS defended the legitimacy and public interest of its investigation throughout the legal dispute. The broadcaster welcomed the Vaud cantonal court's decision, which lifts the injunction and allows the reports to be shown again. Two separate legal proceedings against Vipret are still ongoing, led by the public prosecutor's offices in Fribourg and Berner Jura-Seeland. No further legal cases against Vipret are currently running alongside these investigations.

The court's decision is seen as a significant moment for press freedom in Switzerland. It comes amid rising concerns over attempts to suppress journalistic investigations. The two reports will now return to air, while Vipret's legal proceedings continue.