Countries Where Displaying 'Z' Is Banned by Law with a 1.2 Million Won Fine

Ban on Z Symbol Passed in Lithuanian Parliament
Already Banned in Latvia, Moldova, and Under Review in Germany

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Lithuania, which borders Russia, has legally banned the use of the letter 'Z' symbol known as a symbol supporting Russia's war. Eastern European countries including Ukraine, Latvia, Moldova, and the Czech Republic have already banned the use of the Z symbol one after another, and the German government is also reportedly considering a legal ban, raising expectations of a global wave of Z symbol removal in the future.

On the 19th (local time), according to the AP News, the Lithuanian parliament announced that it passed a bill banning the use of the letter Z symbol. Along with Z, the orange background with three black stripes, known as the 'Saint George's Ribbon' pattern mainly used in Russian medal designs, is also completely banned from use.

The Lithuanian parliament stated, "We prohibit symbols that represent totalitarian and authoritarian regimes and incite military actions, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, whether used in the past or currently." Individuals violating the law and using the banned symbols and patterns will be fined 900 euros (about 1.2 million KRW), and companies will be fined 1,500 euros.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Previously, the 'Z' symbol became a symbol supporting the war in Russia after it was spotted on Russian military tanks, trucks, and other equipment gathered at the border ahead of the invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, a pattern combining the Z letter with the Saint George's Ribbon pattern used in Russian medals appeared. Across Russia, Z is regarded as a symbol of patriotism, and the government and ruling party actively encourage its display, widely using it on signs, clothing, and more.

Accordingly, countries neighboring Russia are showing a trend of legally banning the use of the Z symbol. War parties such as Ukraine, as well as Russia's neighboring countries Latvia, Moldova, the Czech Republic, and Kazakhstan, have passed laws banning the use of the Z symbol. Germany has also banned the use of the Z symbol in the parliaments of Lower Saxony and Bavaria, and the central government is reportedly reviewing a ban bill.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.