The white “Z”, often seen on Russian tanks and uniforms, has become a pro-war symbol. In Germany, too, there could now be consequences for the use of the sign.
Several federal states have announced criminal consequences for public use of the Russian “Z” symbol. The Latin letter is used by supporters of the war in Ukraine.
Berlin’s interior senator Iris Spranger (SPD) told the Tagesspiegel: “If the context of the war is created by using the white Z, as can be seen on the Russian military vehicles, then of course that means advocating a war of aggression. That would be punishable, so we intervene immediately.”
Lower Saxony and Bavaria announced criminal consequences for using the symbol on Friday. Bavaria’s Justice Minister Georg Eisenreich (CSU) told the German Press Agency: “We do not accept crimes that violate international law are approved.” The SPD parliamentary group in the Stuttgart state parliament as well as the CDU, FDP and SPD in North Rhine-Westphalia also spoke out in favor of a ban on the symbol. NRW refugee minister Joachim Stamp (FDP) said on Twitter: “The “Z” as a symbol of Putin’s fascism should be banned throughout Germany.”
“For the win”
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a white “Z” has often been seen on Russian tanks and uniforms. It stands for «Za Pobedu» – «For Victory». It will also be shown outside of the war zone on buildings, cars and clothing, as well as on social media.
Berlin’s interior senator referred to paragraph 140 of the Criminal Code, which makes it a punishable offense to approve of certain crimes. Up to three years imprisonment or a fine are possible.
Source: Stern
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