Swiss politician charged for shooting Madonna-and-Child poster

Zurich prosecutors recently indicted city politician Sanija Ameti for shooting an air pistol at a poster of a 14th-century painting of Jesus Christ and Mary. Ameti last September posted a photo of her aiming the sport pistol at the poster, and then a picture of the poster riddled with holes. Ameti removed the photos after serious public backlash and issued a formal apology. She did not think before posting the images and removed them as soon as she realized the religious content, according to a September apology statement. She stepped down from her political party, the Zurich Liberal Greens, months after the incident. The city’s website lists her as having no party affiliation while serving on the Zurich city parliament.

What kind of charges is she facing? Ameti stood accused of disturbing religious freedom, according to a redacted indictment posted by the activist group Mass-Voll. Prosecutors sought fines and penalties totaling over $15,000 for her actions, according to the filing. Zurich prosecutors confirmed the charges to the Associated Press on Monday. WORLD reached out to the Zurich Public Prosecutor's Office and did not receive a reply. Prosecutors finished investigating the incident in June and planned to move forward with an indictment against Ameti, Swiss news outlet 20 Minuten reported in June. 

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