Germany could prosecute those who display pro-Russian "Z" symbol
AxiosJUN 2022
This is undemocratic. Citizens have the right to express their opinions, and Germany's response to the conflict in Ukraine must be open to public debate. The decision to ban free speech by criminalizing those supporting Russia is a slippery slope that will only lead to other forms of repression.
Freedom of expression is only granted insofar as it doesn't break criminal law. Since Putin has initiated an illegal war against Ukraine, anyone publicly condoning this campaign is supporting a violation of international law and disturbing the public peace in Germany.
It's hypocritical to ban expressing support for Russia's Ukraine invasion, but not for the US invasion of Iraq for equally unjustified reasons.