German faces fine for using swastika in anti-Nazi merch'dise

German faces fine for using Nazi symbols

Wed Sep 27, 9:43 PM ET

A German man went on trial Wednesday for displaying Nazi symbols including swastikas even though he was campaigning against far-right extremism ?- the swastikas had lines drawn through them representing rejection.

Prosecutor Bernd Haeussler urged a Stuttgart state court to fine Juergen Kamm $7,610 for selling 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.

Defense attorney Michael Wolff argued that Kamm, who employs 10 people at his 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 Oct. 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.