A Retired Professor Faces Fine in Hannover for Using Banned NS Slogan
Utilized Prohibited Nazi Slogan Leads to Fine for Retired Professor in Hannover - Retired professor in Hanover penalized for utilizing banned Nazi slogans
In Hannover, a 64-year-old retired professor found himself in the dock for using a prohibited slogan associated with the National Socialist Stormtroopers (SA). The district court affirmed that the defendant knew displaying the slogan was unlawful but pleaded it was a mere "pedagogical trick."
In a deeply controversial move, the court imposed a hefty fine of 80 daily units, each worth 130 euros, totaling 10,400 euros. The penalty was handed down after the prosecution argued that the professor intended to trivialize and normalize the slogan, making it socially acceptable.
The defendant, who has a previous conviction for public insults in a separate case and received a fine, has vowed to appeal the verdict in the higher court.
Hannover's Regulations on Nazi Slogans
It is worth noting that, in Hannover, the usage of Nazi symbols, slogans, and ideologies is prohibited under German law, specifically the Strafgesetzbuch (StGB), Section 86a[1]. The StGB also criminalizes anyone who incites hatred against specific groups or vilifies them in a manner that disrupts public tranquility[1]. Public gatherings involving such slogans must secure permission from local authorities and comply with laws against hate speech and incitement[2].
Potential Consequences for Violations
Those who flout these regulations face criminal charges under the StGB, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offense and the extent of public disruption or damage caused[1]. Moreover, individuals may take civil legal action for damages or violation of public peace in response to the use of Nazi slogans[1][2].
In the district court, cases related to Nazi slogans fall under criminal law. The court assesses the severity of the offense and determines appropriate penalties based on the evidence presented[3]. Local authorities may also impose administrative penalties, such as banning public gatherings or imposing fines for violating public assembly laws[4].
In essence, using Nazi slogans in Hannover, as in other parts of Germany, is strictly forbidden and can trigger both criminal and civil legal repercussions. The exact penalties depend on the specific circumstances and the extent of the violation, and court proceedings typically unfold in the district court.
- Despite the retired professor's assertion that displaying the prohibited National Socialist Stormtroopers (SA) slogan was a pedagogical trick, the district court imposed a significant fine based on the argument that he intended to trivialize it, demonstrating the stern community law regarding the usage of Nazi slogans in Hannover as enshrined in the German law, specifically the Strafgesetzbuch (StGB), Section 86a.
- The StGB, Section 86a clearly outlaws the usage of Nazi symbols, slogans, and ideologies in Hannover, reflecting the broader community law initiatives against hate speech, incitement, and public disruption. Violators, such as the retired professor in question, may face criminal charges, civil lawsuits for damages, and administrative penalties such as bans on public gatherings or fines, depending on the gravity of the offense and the extent of public disruption or damage caused.
