In Germany, there are increasing investigations into people accused of using the Z symbol to express support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to DPA.
According to a report by the editorial group EditorialSneck Deutschland, more than 140 investigations have been launched into support for Russia’s war in Ukraine since February 24. Most of them are related to the use of the letter Z.
Russian tanks and uniforms often have the letter Z written in white. This symbol is increasingly appearing on buildings, cars and clothing outside the war zone, and is also used on social networks.
The use of the symbol can be considered “approval of the crime” if it is proved that the symbol is related to the war in Ukraine, said the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. According to Article 140 of the German Criminal Code, this is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to three years.