Political campaigns are sometimes stormy, even at the local level. In Saint-Palais-sur-Mer (Charente-Maritime), as the first round of municipal elections looms on September 15, 2024, the majority of Mayor Claude Baudin filed a complaint against X for cyberbullying on Monday, August 5, 2024, reports South West. The issue is an anonymous Facebook account identified under the name of “Chat Noir”. However, the latter is said to have recently mistakenly revealed his true identity.
Insults and defamation
Local political life had been marked, in April, by the resignation of 13 elected officials in the municipal council, eight from the majority and five from the opposition. On the occasion of these new elections which will take place on September 15 and 22, Fabienne Labarrière, former first deputy, also departmental councilor, presented a list opposed to that of the majority. If the mayor had called for a respectful campaign despite the context, the tone was quickly raised on social networks, through a Facebook page administered by this famous ” Black cat “.
According to the press release published by the mayorthe page allegedly insulted the majority and spread rumors that could harm its reputation. “We are described as foul-mouthed, as a team that is drifting, or even as Claude Baudin’s actions as hypocrisy… Chat noir also spreads false information about the sale of the Béthanie convent by the City.”detailed to our colleagues the deputy mayor Guillaume Chérel, who has screenshots. These acts of online harassment are punishable by two years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros.
An opponent unmasked?
Although the critic remained anonymous for several weeks, the statement said he ultimately inadvertently revealed his identity. “by signing one of his comments with the name of Alain Dubost”. He is a candidate for the municipal council on Fabienne Labarrière’s list. However, considering that other people could have used his account, the mayor preferred to file a complaint against X.
However, Claude Baudin did ask Fabienne Labarrière to exclude Alain Dubost. While the latter did not wish to comment for the time being, the former first deputy was opposed to any exclusion. “This is all just laughable! There’s no way I’m parting ways with him. He’s a great hire.”she said, assuring that her running mate is not responsible for any cyberbullying.
