Criminal proceedings opened for shooting at picture of Jesus

There is suspicion of disruption of freedom of belief and worship: the Zurich public prosecutor’s office has opened criminal proceedings against GLP politician Sanija Ameti.

Kari Kälin / ch media

She was silent for a long time. Until last Saturday. In an interview with “Switzerland at the Weekend”, Sanija Ameti commented in detail for the first time on an incident from three months ago that turned her life upside down. “I’m ashamed,” said the GLP politician and co-president of Operation Libero. It’s a really stupid post. The reason for the remorse: one evening three months ago she turned a picture of baby Jesus and Mary from an art catalog into a target.

The amateur sports shooter posted the hole-punched picture on Instagram. She later deleted the post, apologized and asked for forgiveness. However, social media courts have no procedural rules. A shitstorm poured over the 32-year-old politician. She didn’t dare leave the house for a long time, she told “Switzerland at the Weekend”. Ameti sits for the GLP in the Zurich city parliament.

Ameti is now facing legal consequences because of the shooting exercise. The Zurich public prosecutor’s office opened criminal proceedings against her at the end of October for disturbing freedom of belief and worship, as spokesman Erich Wenzinger announced upon request. The presumption of innocence applies until the proceedings are legally concluded. Violations of the so-called “blasphemy article” are punished with a fine. Several criminal complaints were filed against Ameti, including from the Junge SVP and Mass-Voll.

Ameti’s political future remains open. Jürg Grossen, President of GLP Switzerland, wants to exclude her from the party. Ameti said she felt a lot of solidarity from the ranks of the GLP. She made it clear that she did not want to withdraw from politics or the party.

Sensational case more than 65 years ago

The blasphemy article is rarely used. In the last fifteen years, only 62 people have been convicted of disrupting freedom of belief and worship.

A case in 1959 made big headlines. Artist Kurt Fahrner showed his “Picture of a Crucified Woman” on Barfüsserplatz in Basel. In a decision, the Federal Court described it as a “naked female figure on the cross, openly displaying her clearly visible shame with her legs spread, as if she were ready for sexual intercourse.” Fahrner was sentenced to three days in prison on probation and a fine of 100 francs for disturbing freedom of belief and worship. According to the NZZ, the case sent waves far beyond the borders.

The Aargau GLP National Councilor Beat Flach wanted to abolish the blasphemy article because it was no longer appropriate. However, the National Council clearly rejected the corresponding motion four years ago by 115 votes to 48. (aargauerzeitung.ch)

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