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.

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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.