Switzerland is introducing a new law to prohibit public display of Nazi imagery in response to a recent surge in antisemitism.
The Swiss government announced Friday a planned ban on public display of swastikas, the Hitler salute, and other Nazi symbols. This action follows a rise in antisemitic incidents within the country since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The proposed legislation aims to address a legal loophole that previously permitted the display of such symbols unless actively promoting the associated ideology, according to a Federal Council statement.
The ban will specifically target recognizable symbols of the Nazi regime, including variations like the numeric codes ’18’ and ’88’. The context of display will be a key factor in determining legality, the government emphasized.
Exceptions are provided for educational, scientific, artistic, or journalistic purposes, safeguarding freedom of expression in these contexts. Existing religious symbols with visual similarities to Third Reich imagery will remain unaffected.
Violators will face fines of 200 Swiss Francs (approximately $224 or 213 euros).
“Racism and antisemitism are unacceptable in a free and democratic society,” the Federal Council declared.
Public consultations on the proposed ban will run until March 31, 2025. This initiative stems from a parliamentary request and will expand to encompass other extremist, racist, and violence-glorifying symbols in future phases.
Antisemitic incidents have significantly increased globally since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulting in a devastating loss of life and widespread injury.
Israel’s military operation followed a large-scale Palestinian militant attack on October 7, 2023, which caused significant casualties and hostage-taking in Israel.
Earlier this year, the Intercommunity Coordination against Antisemitism and Defamation (CICAD) reported 944 antisemitic acts in French-speaking Switzerland during 2023—a 68% increase from the previous year.