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A Swiss politician was convicted on Wednesday for firing a sports pistol at an auction poster of a 14th-century painting of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus and then posting images of the damage online.
Sanija Ameti, an independent Zurich council member formerly of the Green-Liberal party, was fined in suspension for “disturbing freedom of religion and worship,” the Zurich district court said in its ruling.
She was handed a suspended fine totalling 3,000 Swiss francs (€3,268) and a penalty of 500 francs (€544). Prosecutors had sought a larger fine.
Swiss public broadcaster RTS reported that she did not speak during the hearing, and her lawyer and his office did not respond to emailed requests for comment.
In September 2024, Ameti fired a sport pistol at an auction poster that showed details of the work “Madonna with Child and the Archangel Michael” by 14th-century Italian painter Tommaso del Mazza.
Images posted on Instagram showing the damage were later removed. Ameti afterwards apologised, but the shootings and posting caused an uproar, and she lost her job in public relations.
Kath.ch, the website of the media centre for the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland, initially said bishops had condemned the shooting, saying it hurt the sensibilities of many Catholics. Catholic leaders later expressed forgiveness.
The Orthodox Christian Metropolis of Switzerland of the Patriarchate of Constantinople also condemned the “impious” act, which “hurts the sensitivity of every person of good will.”
Ameti explained that she had been practising shots from about 10 metres and found the poster “big enough” for a suitable target, only belatedly realising the religious character of the target.
Additional sources • AP