Even though they have publicly spoken out against fascism and racism: The members of the punk band "SS-Kaliert" may have to face prison time, according to SPIEGEL information. Their logo quotes the runes of the Waffen-SS, determined the public prosecutor's office.
Political disorientation, a cheap PR stunt, an overwhelming desire for provocation - whatever has driven the members of the punk rock band "SS-Kaliert": Now they face up to three years in prison for the dissemination and use of symbols of a former National Socialist organization.
The Duisburg public prosecutor's office accuses the five musicians and a managing director responsible for the distribution of fan merchandise of featuring the "double S in the form of SS runes of the Waffen-SS" in the band's logo, according to the indictment. It is printed on the CDs as well as on merchandise like jackets, t-shirts, and posters, and appears on the band's website.
The musicians intended for the observer to be reminded of the SS runes of the Waffen-SS, even if the representation "occurs without a political background and reference to the Third Reich," according to the indictment.
Band leader and guitarist Benni Whithley dismisses the allegations as "complete nonsense." The band merely used a common font from the internet for the abbreviation of their name "Es eskaliert" and designed it with "artistic freedom."
It is undisputed that band members have publicly spoken out against fascism and racism, performed at Antifa concerts, and supported the "Good-Night-White-Pride" movement against neo-Nazis in the hardcore music scene.
( Source spiegel.de / Photo ss-kaliert.de )
Political disorientation, a cheap PR stunt, an overwhelming desire for provocation - whatever has driven the members of the punk rock band "SS-Kaliert": Now they face up to three years in prison for the dissemination and use of symbols of a former National Socialist organization.
The Duisburg public prosecutor's office accuses the five musicians and a managing director responsible for the distribution of fan merchandise of featuring the "double S in the form of SS runes of the Waffen-SS" in the band's logo, according to the indictment. It is printed on the CDs as well as on merchandise like jackets, t-shirts, and posters, and appears on the band's website.
The musicians intended for the observer to be reminded of the SS runes of the Waffen-SS, even if the representation "occurs without a political background and reference to the Third Reich," according to the indictment.
Band leader and guitarist Benni Whithley dismisses the allegations as "complete nonsense." The band merely used a common font from the internet for the abbreviation of their name "Es eskaliert" and designed it with "artistic freedom."
It is undisputed that band members have publicly spoken out against fascism and racism, performed at Antifa concerts, and supported the "Good-Night-White-Pride" movement against neo-Nazis in the hardcore music scene.
( Source spiegel.de / Photo ss-kaliert.de )
