Using the symbol "Zez" will be legally punished in Germany

Senator Iris Pleager from Berlin told the newspaper Tagesspiegel that using the character “Z”, which is seen in Russian military vehicles, “naturally means supporting the fight of aggression”.

The use of this symbol will be legally condemned. She referred to an article in the Penal Code, which if someone violates the same one, could be punished for up to three years in prison or fined.

Also, Loer Saxony and Bavaria have announced convictions related to the use of this symbol.

“We do not accept the adoption of crimes and violations of international law”, Bravaria Justice Minister Georg Eisenreich told Dpa.

Likewise, in other German banks, lawmakers have indicated they are to apply sentences in case of using this symbol.

Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, the letter “Z” has been seen in tanks and uniforms, and it has also appeared and drawn on walls, buildings and T-shirts, as this symbol is being used to express support for Ukraine's invasion by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

There are several theories about what this letter means, which is not found in the Russian alphabet. Russia's Defence Ministry has said that “Z” means “for victory”. / REL/