Approval for the Russian war
The Z symbol can be seen more and more often in Germany
4/1/2022 7:02 am
The Z symbol is emblazoned on Russian tanks, representing support for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The sign is now appearing more and more often in Germany. The first federal states forbid it and initiate criminal proceedings.
From Russian tanks to German streets: The Z symbol as support for the Russian war in Ukraine has also appeared occasionally in Germany. Several federal states report single-digit cases in which the Z symbol was discovered, for example, as graffiti on cars or walls. In North Rhine-Westphalia, five weeks after the Russian invasion, 22 cases related to the Z symbol were recorded, according to the Ministry of the Interior.
Lower Saxony’s Interior Minister Boris Pistorius recently said that the Z symbol represents acts by the Russian army that violate international law. “It is absolutely incomprehensible to me how the stylized Z can be used even here to condone these crimes.”
The symbol has also appeared at public events, including a demonstration in Halle that, according to Saxony-Anhalt’s Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, was registered by a right-wing extremist. There is some evidence that Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which violates international law, was approved. Criminal proceedings were initiated against a family in Lower Saxony because they had stuck a large Z symbol on their car.
Aid organization receives threatening letter
In Bremen, a letter filled with powder was sent to an aid organization that supports war refugees in Ukraine. According to the police, the letter contained a pro-Russian letter with the Z symbol. The powdery substance ultimately turned out to be harmless.
Several federal states have announced criminal consequences for the use of the symbol. It could be interpreted as “approval of a crime” – if a connection with the Ukraine war can be proven, according to the NRW Ministry of the Interior, among others. According to Section 140 of the Criminal Code, there is a risk of up to three years in prison or a fine. However, a case-by-case assessment is required in each case.
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”). Outside the war zone, it is also shown on buildings, cars and clothing, as well as on social media, as a symbol of support for Russia.