German court rules comparing Israel to Nazis is legal
Despite the German stateβs slavish support for Israel and its brutal repression of anti-genocide protest, the pro-Palestine movement has scored a major legal victory.
The ZweibrΓΌcken Higher Regional Court has ruled that comparing Israel with the Nazis is legal.
German law bans the display of swastikas and other Nazi-linked symbols. However, the court ruled that they can legally be used:
If someone uses the signs for sharp criticism of the methods of the State of Israel and is thus accompanied by a clear distancing or condemnation of Nazi injustice.
German rulemakers overturn activistβs fine
The court was hearing an appeal brought by an anti-genocide activist who had been fined for publishing a table comparing the actions of Israel in Gaza with those of Nazi Germany. The header of the table showed a half Israeli flag and half swastika. Another post showed a combined Israeli and Nazi flag with hashtags #FreePalestine and #GazaUnderAttack.
The appeal court overturned the fine and warned judges not to apply the symbol law in a way that suppresses freedom of speech.
Germany describes support for Israel as its βStaatsrΓ€sonβ, the reason for the existence of the German state. It requires citizenship applicants to formally declare support for the apartheid colony.
Featured image via Katerina Bolovtsova/ Pexels
By Skwawkbox