German states to condemn use of "Z" symbol

Several German states have announced that the public use of the "Z" symbol, which is being used to express support for Russia's war in Ukraine, will be punished by law.

Senator Iris Spranger from Berlin told the Tagesspiegel newspaper that the use of the "Z" symbol, which has been seen on Russian military vehicles, "obviously means support for the war of aggression."

According to her, the use of this symbol will be punished by law. She referred to an article of the Penal Code, that in case someone violates it, they can be sentenced to up to three years in prison or fined.

Lower Saxony and Bavaria have also announced penalties related to the use of this symbol.

"We do not accept the approval of crimes and violations of international law," Bavarian Justice Minister Georg Eisenreich told dpa.

Also, in other German states, legislators have expressed that they are in favor of applying penalties in case of using this symbol.

Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, the letter "Z" has been seen on tanks and uniforms, and has also appeared painted on walls, buildings and T-shirts, as the symbol is being used to express support for the Russian president's invasion of Ukraine. , Vladimir Putin.

There are several theories about what this letter, which is not found in the Russian alphabet, means. The Russian Ministry of Defense has said that the "Z" stands for "For Victory."