The Swiss insurance giant Zurich has renounced its world-famous corporate logo because of the Russian war propaganda in the social networks. In Germany, the use of the Z symbol is now being prosecuted.
The letter “Z” has become the central symbol of Russian war propaganda. In order to rule out any risk of confusion, the Swiss insurance group Zurich has now partially dispensed with using its own company logo, which also shows a “Z”.
“We are temporarily removing the use of the letter ‘Z’ from social channels where it appears isolated and could be misunderstood,” the company confirmed to DPA on Sunday. On Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, the account now shows the complete “Zurich” lettering instead of a Z logo. The two appear side by side on the company’s website.
The logo of the globally active insurance giant shows a white Z on a blue background and is emblazoned on the group’s buildings, among other things. The largest insurance group in Switzerland is active in more than 200 countries and employs more than 50,000 people. Shortly after the invasion, Zurich declared its solidarity with Ukraine and welcomed the sanctions against Russia.
“Z” is punishable in Germany
During the Ukraine war, the letter “Z” first appeared on Russian military vehicles involved in the attack on the neighboring country. It is now used in Russia itself as a symbol to support aggressive warfare. The “Z” can be seen on house walls and cars and should stand for the slogan “For Victory”, as the Russian Ministry of Defense has explained.
In Germany, however, the use of the Z symbol in connection with the war is now a punishable offense in some federal states. Bavaria, Lower Saxony and Berlin have announced that they will take legal action against its use, for example at demonstrations. North Rhine-Westphalia is also examining criminal consequences. “If the context of the war is created with the use of the white Z, as can be seen on the Russian military vehicles, then of course that means advocating a war of aggression,” Berlin’s Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) told the “Tagesspiegel”. “That would be a punishable offence, so we’ll intervene immediately.”
Section 140 of the Criminal Code provides for fines or imprisonment of up to three years for the approval of criminal offenses through the distribution of content that disturbs the public peace.
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
