German Court Decides on Fate of Policeman Showing Hitler Salute in Public

Showing Nazi symbols in public is against German law. However, it seems not to apply to a German policeman who had been involved in the creation of CDs and booklets with right-wing extremist content.

The German Federal Administrative Court is to decide on Thursday whether a Berlin policeman, who kept a Hitler picture at home and demonstrated the Hitler salute in public, will be dismissed from the police force, German media reported.

Berlin authorities had launched an administrative case against the wrongdoer many years ago, but have so far failed to dismiss the man from the civil service.

Showing Hitler Salute in Public

According to the prosecution, the policeman has several tattoos linked to extremist organizations prohibited by the German Constitution. Some media outlets have assumed that one of them could be a swastika.

In addition, he is accused of having been involved in the release of CDs and booklets with right-wing extremist content, as well as having shown in public the Hitler salute.

Suspended From Service Since 2007

Although the man had been suspended from fulfilling his duties as a policeman in 2007, he still remains employed by the German police and has been receiving his salary since then.

The policeman had already won the case in two previous instances. The courts couldn't launch any disciplinary punishment for having tattoos, and also the demonstration of the Hitler salute turned out to be insufficient to dismiss him.

The Federal Administrative Court is now to make a final verdict.