Banning Nazi Salutes In Switzerland Deemed Legally Complicated


(MENAFN- Swissinfo) Português (pt) suíça tem dificuldade em proibir saudações nazistas

Switzerland has a certain tolerance when it comes to Nazi symbols and gestures. Nazi salutes and swastikas are banned only when used for propaganda purposes. Political efforts to scrap this distinction have been ongoing since 2003.

Majorities in government and parliament have so far judged freedom of expression to be more important, but the perception seems to be shiftingexternal link with a number of parliamentary motions and the Council of the Swiss Abroad calling for zero tolerance.

Initially hesitant, the government promised to look into the matter. On Thursday, the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) issuedexternal link a report on the legal options for a ban.

It concluded that a ban on Nazi, racist or extremist symbols is possible, but making such a change would“come up against major legal and editorial obstacles”.

Furthermore, lawyers see no need to act. They say that in most cases, the public use of Nazi, racist or extremist symbols, as well as those promoting violence, is already punishable in Switzerland, the FOJ said. Cantonal laws provide the police with sufficient instruments to intervene, particularly during demonstrations, it added.

If criminal law was expanded, all symbols of racial discrimination would have to be included as well as Nazi symbols, the FOJ said.

Also, it would be possible to add“an explicit ban on the use of Nazi and racist symbols” to the article on discrimination in the Criminal Code. Alternatively, a special law could be passed to regulate the ban in more detail.

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Swissinfo

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