Switzerland Federal Court confirms fines for 'Kill Erdogan' banner
(MENAFN) Switzerland’s Federal Court has upheld fines for four individuals who displayed a banner calling for the death of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a 2017 protest in Bern, making the Bernese Higher Court’s decision final.
The banner depicted Erdogan with a handgun aimed at his head, accompanied by the words: "Kill Erdogan with his own weapons!" The court ruled that this constituted a direct and urgent incitement to murder, noting that such an offence applies even if the act would occur outside Switzerland.
The defendants had argued on appeal that public incitement to commit a crime did not apply, but the court dismissed this claim, confirming the fines of up to 3,600 Swiss francs (around $4,444). Judges emphasized that freedom of expression and assembly protects controversial opinions, but the banner exceeded the limits of political criticism.
The court also noted the defendants’ active involvement—they repeatedly stood near the banner, assisted with its handcart, or operated its sound system—rather than being mere bystanders. The rally featured supporters of the PKK, YPG, and DHKP-C groups.
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