diff --git a/jedi/evaluate/analysis.py b/jedi/evaluate/analysis.py
index 95c93515..67dd5af0 100644
--- a/jedi/evaluate/analysis.py
+++ b/jedi/evaluate/analysis.py
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 """
 Module for statical analysis.
 """
-from jedi import debug
 from parso.python import tree
+
+from jedi._compatibility import force_unicode
+from jedi import debug
 from jedi.evaluate.compiled import CompiledObject
 from jedi.evaluate.helpers import is_string
 
@@ -192,7 +194,7 @@ def _check_for_exception_catch(node_context, jedi_name, exception, payload=None)
             key, lazy_context = args[1]
             names = list(lazy_context.infer())
             assert len(names) == 1 and is_string(names[0])
-            assert names[0].get_safe_value() == payload[1].value
+            assert force_unicode(names[0].get_safe_value()) == payload[1].value
 
             # Check objects
             key, lazy_context = args[0]