Girell di Giovanoel:Inside #NetzCourage

Dumeng Girell di Giovanoel was thrilled when he joined NetzCourage at the end of 2020 – the Swiss pioneering organization in the fight against online hate. However, cracks soon began to appear in the facade. Employees were overwhelmed by the pressure, a research project failed, and criticism was dismissed. The managing director, Jolanda Spiess-Hegglin, presented the organization effectively to the public and was recognized as an activist. Yet internally, the strong focus on her persona and her private enemies became a burden.

In this unflinching report, an insider reveals for the first time what transpired behind the scenes of this flagship organization. He vividly describes how NetzCourage increasingly evolved into a cult-like organization – with Spiess-Hegglin as the charismatic leader. Through his own story, the author illustrates the methods used to stifle any criticism – including the surveillance of their own members.

"Inside NetzCourage – Notes from the Doghouse" is a disturbing examination and a call to action at the same time. The case of NetzCourage exemplifies how a socially important NGO can be destroyed by unprofessional leadership that sees only friends or foes in everything. A book that shakes you awake and breaks the silence to give the fight against online hate a future.