It is with profound sadness that the members of the Foundation Board and the entire team of Fondation Hirondelle have learned of the death of Dick Marty on 28 December 2023.

Dick Marty was a member of the Foundation Board from 2012 to June 2023. He decided to leave the Board before the end of his 3rd term this summer, knowing that he was ill. We have benefited from his rigour, experience and kindness in each of his contributions. He held high the values that we defend and share, such as independence and honesty. "A great figure in Swiss politics and international justice has passed away. Fondation Hirondelle was fortunate to be able to count on his knowledge and experience for ten years," said Tony Burgener, Chairman of the Board. "He was a friend," said Jean-Marie Etter, one of the Foundation's 3 founders.

He often reminded us of the essential role of civil society and the independent media, as necessary checks and balances in any democracy. He knew how much free and public information contributes to fairer, more inclusive and more peaceful societies.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends, to whom we offer our sincere condolences. We are grateful to Dick Marty for his commitment to the Foundation over all these years and thank him sincerely. May he rest in peace.