Switzerland Plans Fines for Public Display of Nazi Symbols
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by Reuters and Algemeiner Staff
People waving Nazi swastika flags during a protest outside the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, US, July 23, 2022. Photo: REUTERS/Marco Bello
Switzerland plans to issue 200 Swiss franc ($250) fines for the public display of swastikas under a proposed new law banning Nazi symbols, the government said on Friday.
Fines would be levied on anyone who intentionally used Nazi symbols, had tattoos of them, or performed gestures such as the Hitler salute in public spaces, including online platforms and audiovisual media, the governing Federal Council said.
The council said the need for a ban was pressing due to an increase in antisemitic incidents.
On-the-spot fines should enable its swift enforcement, it said.
The council said exceptions would apply for educational, scientific, cultural, and journalistic purposes.
The law’s submission followed a largely positive public consultation on the proposed ban, the government said.
The government drafted the law after parliament in 2024 backed a motion to ban the swastika.
The bill aims to close a gap in current law, under which displaying extremist symbols is only punishable if clearly linked to promotion of the ideology.
