Teen's Nazi salute at Auschwitz leads to legal action and fine
A 17-year-old Israeli was detained for performing a Nazi salute at the former Auschwitz camp. He was charged with promoting Nazism and fined.
On Sunday, a 17-year-old Israeli citizen was detained for making Nazi salute gestures against the backdrop of the main gate with the inscription "Arbeit Macht Frei" at the former German Auschwitz camp.
"The police collected evidence confirming the teenager's behaviour. In the late afternoon, he was charged with promoting Nazism, which can result in a fine, restriction of freedom, or imprisonment for up to two years. The teenager admitted to the act he was accused of and voluntarily submitted to punishment. He was fined" – said Małgorzata Jurecka, spokesperson for the Oświęcim police.
Reaction of authorities and legal consequences
The museum guards at Auschwitz noticed the young man performing the Nazi salute and immediately took action. The teenager was handed over to the police, and the District Prosecutor's Office in Oświęcim was informed about the incident. "He was detained by them and handed over to the officers" – added Jurecka.
According to Polish law, promoting Nazism is a crime punishable by a fine, restriction of freedom, or imprisonment for up to two years. In this case, the teenager admitted guilt and voluntarily submitted to punishment, which resulted in a fine.
The 17-year-old has already been released after accepting the penalty.
