Displaying 'Z' symbol may become criminal act in Germany

German authorities are considering whether to prosecute people who use the Z symbol to show support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Report informs via Euronews.

In the last month, the Z symbol has become a common sight on Russian military vehicles, displayed on pro-Russia social media accounts, plastered on private cars and trucks, and printed on t-shirts and hoodies.

It's been seen on all sorts of official Russian state propaganda and was prominently displayed at a recent rally attended by Vladimir Putin and tens of thousands of cheering spectators at a football stadium in Moscow.

On Monday Germany's Interior Ministry said that security services are aware the symbol is also being used at rallies in Germany.

Spokesperson Marek Wede told reporters in Berlin that the letter can under certain circumstances be considered a sign of support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The Russian attack on Ukraine is a crime and whoever publicly approves of this war can thereby become criminally liable," Wede said.

He added that federal authorities welcomed announcements by some German states to investigate whether individual instances of the "Z" use constitute criminal acts.