Switzerland to prohibit public display of Nazi iconography

Switzerland is moving to ban public displays of the swastika and the Hitler salute, aligning itself with other European nations that enforce strict restrictions on Nazi symbols, Bloomberg reports.

This legislative push responds to a marked increase in antisemitic incidents, which surged by 68% in some regions since Israel’s war with Hamas erupted last year. A government report highlighted the damaging impact on Swiss Jews, stating, “Every single one of these occurrences contributes to shaking the sense of security, especially among the Jewish population in Switzerland.”

The proposed law would introduce a fine of 200 francs for displaying Nazi symbols in public and extend restrictions to other extremist emblems. Currently, Swiss law only penalizes Nazi symbols if used to actively promote the ideology, leaving mere public display unpunished. The new measures aim to close this gap, reflecting similar regulations long adopted across Europe.

The plan will enter a three-month consultation phase, allowing public input, before being reviewed and voted on by parliament.

This move follows a series of antisemitic incidents, including a case where a Davos restaurant manager was fined for denying winter sports equipment to Jewish customers.