Vigil in Untersiggenthal draws 400 in solidarity with sexual violence victims of ex-politician
Around 400 people gathered Monday evening in Untersiggenthal, Switzerland, to demand better victim protection after a former cantonal politician was accused of drugging and sexually abusing three women, including a mother and daughter who attended the vigil.
The vigil
On Monday evening, 27 July 2026, between 200 and 400 people gathered on the village square in Untersiggenthal, canton Aargau, for a vigil organised by the SP Frauen Aargau and supported by other groups. Most sources reported around 400 attendees, though one outlet estimated 200 to 250. The atmosphere was calm but determined, with participants carrying signs reading "Schutz kostet Geld, Gewalt kostet Leben" (Protection costs money, violence costs lives) and "Wegschauen ist wie Scham" (Looking away is like shame). No candles were lit because of drought-related fire risk.
We stand by every woman who experiences violence. Solidarity is not a gesture, but an attitude.
The case
The vigil was a response to the alleged crimes of Patrick Frei, a 57-year-old former SVP Grand Council member who lived in Untersiggenthal. Prosecutors accuse him of repeatedly administering knockout drops to three women (his partner, her then-minor daughter, and his ex-wife), sexually abusing them, and filming the acts. The charges include multiple attempted murder, qualified rape, sexual coercion, and sexual acts with children. He has been in pre-trial detention for three years. The cantonal migration office ordered the deportation of the two Polish victims a year after the arrest, citing a sham employment relationship with the accused; an appeal against that order is pending before the administrative court.
Victims' presence
Two of the victims, a mother and daughter named Iwona L. and Paula L., attended the vigil and received prolonged applause. The mother thanked the crowd and said she wanted to help other women, not with money but with time and attention. She announced plans to create a YouTube channel called "Raum für Frauen" (Space for Women).
Thank you for being here today, thank you for your time and your support, for me and my daughter. Thanks to the media coverage, I realize how many people are by my side.
Political reactions
Speakers demanded a comprehensive and transparent investigation and stronger victim protection. Grand Council member Mia Jenni called for more resources, especially for migrant women who fear for their residence status. In a televised discussion, Centre Party councillor Andrea Gmür praised the victims' courage, noting that foreign women often face additional hurdles before they are believed. SP councillor Franziska Roth described the case as a catastrophe and criticised the SVP for opposing a legislative change that would recognise knockout-drop rapes as accidents, entitling victims to benefits. The SVP had objected to the additional cost of 30 centimes per insured person.
Broader context
Several participants drew parallels with the case of Gisèle Pelicot in France, which they said had encouraged more open discussion of sexual violence. Susi Kittel, a 72-year-old from Baden, said she was shocked that such crimes occur and was glad women were fighting back. Sexologist Martin Bachmann told the crowd he was ashamed of what men do. The organisers stressed that the Untersiggenthal case is not an isolated incident, pointing to statistics showing that a woman dies from femicide in Switzerland every ten days.
