Last update - 00:00 28/09/2006
German faces fine for using Nazi symbols to fight extremism
By The Associated Press
STUTTGART, Germany - A German entrepreneur, who printed crossed-out swastikas on stickers, buttons and T-shirts as part of a campaign against far-right extremism, went on trial yesterday in a case that challenges post-World War II laws banning the display of Nazi symbols.
Prosecutor Bernd Haeussler urged a Stuttgart state court to fine Juergen Kamm 6,000 euros ($7,610) for selling various merchandise that carry the swastikas and other Nazi symbols through his mail-order business.
"Swastikas shouldn't be displayed in such a striking way," Haeussler said, adding that he hopes the outcome of this trial will bring about a complete ban of Nazi symbols in public spaces.
But defense attorney Michael Wolff argued that Kamm, who employs 10 people at his Nix Gut firm, was using the symbols to fight against neo-Nazis and other far-right extremists and should be acquitted.
"It should not be illegal to use the symbols against Nazis," Kamm, 32, told the court.
The case challenges post-World War II laws that make it illegal to display or reproduce symbols used by the Nazis. Both sides have said they will appeal to a higher court if necessary.
A ruling in the case is expected on October 6.
Several politicians, including the head of the Green party, Claudia Roth, have reported themselves to prosecutors in Stuttgart for wearing anti-Nazi T-shirts and buttons that include the banned symbols.
Prosecutors said these cases are still under investigation.