Slovenia bans Nazi, Fascist symbols

Nazi and Fascist symbols will be banned in Slovenia under amendments passed by the National Assembly. The opposition failed to push through a proposal to expand the ban to Communist symbols, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The amendments to the Protection of Public Order Act prohibit the glorification of Nazi and Fascist ideologies and related collaborationist organisations active in Word War II.

Using any symbols, slogans, flags, uniforms or other insignia with the intention of glorifying or encouraging Nazi or Fascist ideology will be punishable with a fine of €500-1,000.

The Left, a junior party of the ruling coalition, first demanded the ban following a rally held in Ljubljana on 7 June by the so-called Slovenian Defence Guard.

The rally featured neo-Nazi and anti-migrant slogans, chants, and a flag with an SS skull. The group also attracted attention through a xenophobic video depicting an alleged migrant tied to a lamppost.

The changes are meant to help to prevent such rallies in the future, as well as help contain the spread of hate and the use of tragic events during and after WWII for political and ideological purposes.

The opposition Democratic Party (SDS) and New Slovenia (NSi) wanted to add a provision that would also ban Communist ideology, which they say also violates human rights and basic freedoms.

Vida Čadonič Špelič, an MP for the NSi, said inciting hatred and killing in the name of any ideology should be banned. SDS lawmaker Andrej Hoivik said the bill was "ideological and divisive" because it does not include Communism.

However, their proposal was voted down.