Germany considering prosecuting use of pro-Russian ‘Z’ symbol

BERLIN — German authorities are considering whether to prosecute people who use the “Z” symbol to show support for Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Russian troops in Ukraine have painted the letter Z on the side of vehicles and it has been adopted by some in Russia as a symbol of support for what the Kremlin describes as a “special military operation” in the neighboring country.

A spokesman for the German Interior Ministry says that security services are aware the symbol is also being used at rallies in Germany.

The spokesman, Marek Wede, tells reporters in Berlin that the letter can under certain circumstances be considered a sign of support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The Russian attack on Ukraine is a crime and whoever publicly approves of this war can thereby become criminally liable,” Wede says.

He adds that federal authorities welcomed announcements by some German states that they would investigate whether individual instances of the “Z” use constitute criminal acts.